In 2024, the African music scene was dominated by two powerful genres: Afrobeats and Amapiano. While both achieved remarkable milestones, the argument that Afrobeats outshined Amapiano this year rests on specific achievements in global reach, streaming records, and influence. Here’s why Afrobeats might have had the edge.
Afrobeats’ Global Reach and Collaborations
Afrobeats continued to dominate international airwaves, thanks to its fusion of African rhythms with pop, R&B, and dancehall influences. Key examples:
Burna Boy’s UK success: Burna Boy remained the only Nigerian artist in the UK Top 100 in 2024 with his track “Higher,” which also achieved top spots on European charts—a feat unmatched by any Amapiano artist.
Davido’s collaborations: Davido teamed up with Angelique Kidjo on a track that garnered millions of streams within weeks of release, showcasing the genre’s ability to bridge generational and cultural divides.
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ with Selena Gomez: By 2024, this track had surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify, cementing Rema’s global appeal and solidifying Afrobeats’ place on international playlists.
Afrobeats’ Chart Domination
Afrobeats artists consistently dominated streaming platforms and global charts in ways Amapiano couldn’t match:
Kizz Daniel’s Streaming Milestone: Kizz Daniel attracted over 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, demonstrating Afrobeats’ enduring appeal to a diverse global audience.
Asake: With hits like “Lonely At The Top,” Asake emerged as the most-streamed artist in Nigeria and one of the most globally celebrated African artists. His presence on international charts, alongside other Afrobeats stars, highlighted the genre’s stronger foothold.
Festival and Performance Highlights
Afrobeats artists headlined more prominent international festivals and events in 2024:
- At Coachella, Wizkid and Burna Boy delivered standout performances, drawing massive crowds and introducing Afrobeats to newer global fans.
- Afrobeats artists were featured in more international commercials, movie soundtracks, and global campaigns compared to Amapiano, which remained niche outside Africa and certain European clubs.
Amapiano’s Growth but Limitations
While Amapiano saw a surge in popularity, its reach remained more regional than global:
- Tyla’s Amapiano hit gained traction, but it didn’t achieve the streaming records or chart success of Afrobeats hits like Burna Boy’s or Rema’s.
- Amapiano events, like the “Afrobeats vs. Amapiano” battles in Detroit and Brooklyn, showcased the genre’s vibrancy but also revealed that its dominance was often overshadowed by Afrobeats during these comparisons.
Afrobeats as a Cultural Movement
Afrobeats’ storytelling, lyrical depth, and innovative soundscapes created a broader cultural phenomenon. In 2024:
- Afrobeats-inspired dances trended on platforms like TikTok, with global influencers participating, while Amapiano dances, though viral, did not sustain the same momentum.
- Movies and TV shows, such as Netflix’s African originals, prominently featured Afrobeats tracks in soundtracks, further embedding the genre in global pop culture.
Conclusion: Afrobeats Wins the 2024 Crown
While Amapiano brought fresh, exciting sounds to the global stage, Afrobeats’ sustained chart dominance, streaming records, and cultural integration gave it the upper hand. Its ability to transcend borders, adapt to global trends, and deliver chart-topping hits secured its position as the leading African genre in 2024.
