Written By:Tosin Ajogbeje/Date:2021-03-28
“I deserved the Grammy win” says Burna Boy in a BBC News Africa interview. He initially missed out to veteran Beninese singer, Angelique Kidjo at the 2020 awards. Burna Boy won his first Grammy for "Twice As Tall" in Best Global Music Album category, while Wizkid won the Best Music Video for his "Brown Skin Girl" song with Beyoncé. Just like almost everyone I was elated that both of them won, but it was beyond all the frenzy for me.
Key Lessons Learnt
Both Burna Boy and Wizkid have indeed blessed the global stage with the prodigious influence and imprint left by Fela Kuti. Of course we need to preach Africa as the Giant that it is and not downplay the resourceful power that enfolds it. Now we hear African music everywhere but let’s tell a different story. It is evident that Afrobeats is letting the world see Africa differently in a good light and how they are perceived through technology and visual streaming services. Music has the power to uplift people and open up impactful conversations about the world. The resilient power of music also has the power to show the world the unseen parts of a community or a continent. When music is framed in the context of lending one’s voice to human rights violations, racial discrimination or injustice, then we can awaken new issues that affect the world. Music is a key part of popular culture and a great platform for discussions on social issues. The opportunity to reach millions of people through music is a great way to enlighten the world about a Continent that is still perceived as a country. No. Africa is not a Country. Africa is bigger than its negative stereotypes. And thanks to musical talents like Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage and Davido, the world is publicly focusing on Africa. Places like Nigeria and Cameroon are home to an unfathomable amount of languages, including its savannas or the Sahara and set of great lakes.
Africa might be known for its impoverished state, but the Continent continues to make rapid progress. Research claims that African countries account for five or six spots on most “top 10 fastest growing economies” lists. The narrative about Africa in the past decade has been geared towards “a child in need of development”. But this narrative needs to change. There are fantastic safaris and tourist locations in Africa that are often left out in the big picture or in the media. Africa’s technological presence and landscape is growing daily. The media should also highlight this, rather than report nuanced driven stories about the Continent. Again, the power of African music has ignited conversations about the historical prowess and affluence of the continent. There are many sides of Africa and Africans in the diaspora. Thanks to notable people like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African to occupy the Director-General position at the WTO for putting a spotlight on Black excellence and achievements. The success stories and the brilliance of Africa itself should be a continual action. Why? Because Africa is a Giant.
As Afrobeats continues to grow, we as a people, around the world or in the African diaspora, should preach the richness of the Continent and use every opportunity to enlighten the world of its history and fun facts. Celebrating the vibrant cultures of Africans and Africa as a whole could open the doors to more investment opportunities, and improve other conversations around African cuisines, business, art and sports.
To be continued.
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