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
Make no mistake—dance music is born from black culture. Without black creators, innovators, selectors, and communities, the electronic dance music we hold so dear would simply not exist. In short, dance music is deeply indebted to the global black community and we need to be doing more. Black artists and artists of color have played a profound role in shaping the sound and culture of dance music and now more than ever, it is necessary for everyone in the music community to stand up for the people that have given us so much. Mix Session pledges to make every effort to be a better ally, a stronger resource, and a more accountable member of the global dance music community. Black Lives Matter—get involved here:
Black Lives Matter
My Block My Hood My City
National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program
Black Visions Collective
Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Legal Defense Initiative
The Bail Project
The Next Level Boys Academy
Color of Change
Committee to Protect Journalists
