Paulo Okoye raises concerns about the future of Afrobeats

For Paulo Okoye, Afrobeats has achieved what many never imagined. The genre has grown from a regional sound into a global force, creating international stars, attracting visitors to Africa, and taking African music to some of the biggest stages around the world.

Still, he believes there are important issues the industry can no longer ignore.

Sharing his thoughts on his page, the  music executive wrote:

“For over 10 years, Afrobeats has been one of Africa’s biggest exports. It has opened doors, created global stars, boosted tourism, and taken our music to the biggest stages in the world.

“we have almost 10,000 artists making music, but only a handful (max 10) are really making money from streaming, shows, and music sales.

“If promoters can’t afford to put on shows, and brands can’t afford to sponsor events, then where will the next generation of artists perform? How do we keep building new fans? How do we continue to push our culture across the world?”

He went on to explain why he believes live performances remain the backbone of the music business, saying they create the connection between artists and their fans while also helping the industry grow.

According to him:

“Live shows are the heartbeat of this industry. Na there the fans connect with the artists. Over the last 10 years, Afrobeats tourism brought thousands of people from around the world to festivals and concerts. But look at this summer. We are already in August. How many major Afrobeats shows have you really seen? E no be like before.”

Paulo also said everyone involved in the business has a role to play if Afrobeats is to continue thriving for years to come.

In his words:

“If we truly want Afrobeats to remain the biggest genre in the world, then everybody in the industry has to come together. We need more shows, fairer pricing, more opportunities for artists, and a business model that works for everyone, not just a few people.”

He concluded by writing, “Make we reason am together. It’s time to make a change so this industry can sustain itself for many years to come.”