Talent manager Paulo Okoye has raised significant concerns about the current state of Afrobeats, both locally and globally. Despite the genre’s past successes, Okoye notes a troubling decline in popularity and financial viability for many artists in the industry. However, he remains optimistic about the future potential of Afrobeats and its stars.
In a candid post on Instagram, Okoye highlighted the stark contrast between the current success of Afrobeats artists and their achievements just three years ago. He remarked, “Every Afrobeats artist was doing way better three years ago compared to today.” According to Okoye, only a handful of artists are currently able to generate substantial income from their music, underscoring a significant downturn in the genre’s economic landscape.
The situation appears particularly severe in Nigeria, the genre’s birthplace. Okoye lamented, “Locally, it’s even worse: no money anywhere.” This decline in both local and global engagement raises questions about the sustainability of Afrobeats as a thriving music genre.
Okoye also pointed to a troubling trend in the global market, stating, “Globally, things are falling apart for Afrobeats.” This observation suggests that the genre is not only facing challenges at home but is also struggling to maintain its foothold on the international stage.
Despite the challenges, Okoye remains hopeful. He believes that the “bright stars” of Afrobeats will continue to shine and gain recognition worldwide. His faith in the resilience of the genre and its artists reflects a broader sentiment within the industry that, despite current setbacks, there is potential for a revival.
