Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Chris Brown recently made headlines in Nigeria after revealing his love for Nigerian afrobeats music. During a recent episode of the Million Dollarz Worth Of Game podcast, the ‘New Flame’ singer said he often listens to the genre when he is not playing his own songs.
Brown, who has worked with several Nigerian afrobeats singers, including Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Fireboy, and Lojay, praised the genre and its global recognition. He said, “If I’m not playing my music, I play Afrobeats. I love how the genre is blossoming and all the recognition is dope. I have been listening to [afrobeats] for a while. Me and Wiz [Wizkid] we got like an afrobeats-type song on my album [Breezy].”
Also read: Matthew McConaughey Considers Run For Governor Of Texas
His comments were well received by fans and music industry insiders in Nigeria, who see the artist’s endorsement as a significant boost for the genre’s international profile. Afrobeats, a fusion of African rhythms and Western music, has been gaining global popularity in recent years, with artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido leading the charge.
Chris Brown’s love for afrobeats is not a new development. In 2019, he collaborated with Nigerian artist Davido on the song ‘Blow My Mind,’ which was a commercial and critical success. The track earned over 50 million views on YouTube and was listed among the top songs of the year by several music publications.
Brown’s admiration for afrobeats has also earned him accolades in Nigeria. In 2022, he won the Best International Act at the Nigerian music award show, Headies Awards. The award recognizes international artists who have contributed to the growth and development of the Nigerian music industry.
Also read: zach shallcross is engaged to kaity biggar
Brown’s endorsement of afrobeats comes at a time when the genre is undergoing a transformation, with more artists experimenting with its sound and incorporating elements of other genres. The rise of streaming platforms has also made it easier for afrobeats to reach a wider audience, leading to collaborations with artists from other regions and genres.
Industry experts say that Chris Brown’s endorsement of afrobeats is likely to have a significant impact on the genre’s global recognition, especially in the United States, where it is still relatively unknown. With more international artists like Brown embracing the genre, afrobeats is poised to become one of the most influential sounds of the decade.
Also read: Brooke Burns Shares Heartbreaking Personal Experiences On ‘Hollywood Medium’
In Nigeria, afrobeats has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, dance, and lifestyle. The genre’s popularity has also created opportunities for young artists and producers to showcase their talents and reach a global audience. With more international collaborations on the horizon, afrobeats is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in the global music scene.
