Mel Kwesi Davis, entertainment pundit and Vice President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the current trajectory of Afrobeats.
Amid growing perceptions that the genre might be losing its global momentum, Davis offered a more nuanced perspective, asserting that Afrobeats is far from finished—it is simply evolving.
Speaking during an interview on Penpensiwa on AsaasePa 107.3 FM with host Obomengniibaa Nana Akua on Saturday, 3 May, Davis emphasized that Afrobeats is experiencing an industrial shift rather than a decline in popularity or influence.
“Industrially, Afrobeats is going through a certain transition, and we should make ourselves relevant to that transition,” Davis explained. “Afrobeats started not long ago, but it’s become so huge and made such an impact.”
He noted that the genre’s rapid rise to international acclaim—becoming a dominant force in global music within just over a decade—has naturally led to changes in the way it is produced, marketed, and consumed. As the genre matures, Davis believes it’s essential for artists, producers, and other industry stakeholders to adapt to the evolving demands of the global music landscape.
Afrobeats, with its roots in Nigeria and influences from across the African continent, has played a transformative role in elevating African music on the world stage. Chart-topping artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems, and Rema have all contributed to the genre’s explosive growth, gaining recognition at prestigious global platforms like the Grammys, Billboard Awards, and the BET Awards.
However, Davis pointed out that with success comes the need for innovation. He stressed that the current transitional phase presents an opportunity for reinvention rather than a signal of decline. By staying attuned to shifts in listener preferences, distribution models, and industry technology, Afrobeats practitioners can sustain the genre’s relevance and creative vitality.
He also encouraged greater institutional support, training, and infrastructure within African music markets to help solidify Afrobeats’ legacy and future. “We must invest in the people behind the music, the sound engineers, marketers, and producers. That’s how Afrobeats will continue to thrive,” Davis concluded.
Mel Kwesi Davis’s remarks come at a time when some fans and critics have expressed concern over whether Afrobeats is being overshadowed by emerging global trends. His insights serve as a reminder that evolution is a natural part of any genre’s journey—and that Afrobeats still has much more to offer the world.
