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First Afrobeats chart to launch in the UK

The rise and influence of Afrobeats in the commercial sector has been astounding over the past few years. From Drake‘s 2016 smash hit with Wizkid, “One Dance,” to Mr. Eazi‘s past joint efforts with Major Lazer, to Burna Boy‘s recent rise, the genre has completely infiltrated the mainstream as well as the underground with no signs of slowing down.

In an attempt to recognize the genre’s success, the Official UK chart is introducing an Afrobeats category via the Top 20 radio show on BBC Radio 1Xtra on July 26 at 8:00 a.m. EST. In its announcement, the music chart company said the Afrobeats chart will be led by festival brand, Afro Nation, and compiled by the Official Charts Company,

“Using UK sales and streaming data from over 9,000 outlets, incorporating audio and video streams, downloads, and physical sales.”

Following its debut on BBC Radio 1Xtra, the weekly chart will be updated via a weekly Official UK Afrobeats Spotify playlist each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. EST. It will also be published on the Official Charts website.

For those new to Afrobeats’ long and rich history, the genre stems from West African musical elements and styles, and is typically blended with an assortment of genres including, but not limited to, funk, jazz, house, hip-hop, pop, R&B, and more. Artists who have taken the reigns in bringing the genre to the spotlight in the recent years include Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, Wizkid, Koffee, and Yxng Bane, among others.

Featured image: Kevin Winter


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