BELIEVE it or not, Nigeria has now got more than 10 musicians who are multi-millionaires. 

Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold and Tiwa Savage are among them. They have become millionaires through their music efforts.

Nigerian music is a unique blend of traditional rhythms and modern influences, creating a unique sound that has been embraced by audiences all over the world. This listener base has been growing rapidly in recent years, as more people around the world continue to discover and enjoy the sounds of Nigerian Afro-beats music.

According to the Nigerian ministry of Finance, the industry generates over $2 billion in revenue per year. Nigerian music has over 30 million monthly listeners worldwide. This is significant as the revenue that comes with it benefits not only the musicians, but also the Nigerian economy.

Music streaming services such as Boomplay, iTunes, and Spotify have contributed to the growth of the industry.

The genre of Afrobeats has become increasingly popular worldwide.

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Today, Nigerian Afro-beats is a major force in the world music industry. With over 30 million monthly listeners worldwide, this is a testament to the vibrancy and creativity of the people of Nigeria and the impact they have had on the global music industry.

The Nigerian music industry has experienced a surge in popularity due to the emergence of the genre Afro-beats. This genre has become increasingly popular in recent years, not only in Nigeria, but also in other parts of the world. Nigerian music festivals, such as Felabration, are held annually to celebrate the music.

Nigerian Felabration, is held annually to celebrate the music of internationally renowned Afro-beat musician, Fela Kuti.

This annual festival, which takes place in October in Lagos, Nigeria, attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.

It features a host of Nigerian artistes, including some of the world’s most prominent Afro-beat groups and has become an integral part of Nigerian music culture. This and other festivals serve to promote the music of Fela Kuti and the Nigerian music industry, providing both local and international audiences with a platform to experience and appreciate the country’s music.

Nigerian artistes are regularly sought out by major international labels, while the industry has also seen the emergence of a number of independent labels. This has helped to create a vibrant and diverse music scene, with internationally renowned artistes such as Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy having achieved success across the world.

It is estimated that from the year 2021, the Nigerian music industry has become a massive economic force. The industry generates over $2 billion in revenue per year, making it one of the largest music industries in the world. This industry is growing rapidly and is projected to continue to grow over the coming years. Furthermore, this growth is driven by an increase in digital streaming and downloads, which account for the majority of revenue generated. The industry also employs thousands of people, providing jobs and income to numerous people across the country.

The Nigerian music industry is an expansive and ever-evolving industry that provides a unique outlet for the country’s creative talents. It is estimated that there are over 500 music producers, over 1000 record labels, and over 50 radio stations currently operating in Nigeria.

These figures are an indication of the scale and scope of the industry, and it is likely that the industry will continue to grow in size and influence in the years to come.

The Nigerian music industry is a vibrant and influential part of the country’s culture and economy. Nigerian musicians have made a significant impact across the world, winning numerous awards, and collaborating with international artistes such as Beyonce, Brandy, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran and Chris Brown.

This has led to Nigerian music becoming widely acclaimed, and it has given Nigerian musicians a platform to reach global audiences. The success of Nigerian musicians is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the country’s music industry, and further confirms the importance of the sector to the nation’s economy.

 In fact, it has become a leading musical force in the international music industry, from the UK to the US, and from Canada to Australia. This trend has been fuelled by the work of popular Nigerian musicians such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage. This has further driven collaboration between Nigerian artistes and international acts such as the ones I have mentioned above, creating a unique sound that is resonating with global audiences.

The Nigerian music industry has significantly grown in recent years, and this is also largely attributed to the presence of music streaming services such as Boomplay, iTunes, and Spotify. These services have made it much easier for artistes to reach audiences all over the world, increasing their chances of success.

Furthermore, streaming services have provided a platform for artistes to monetise their music, which has enabled them to make a living from their craft. These streaming services have also allowed fans access to music in an affordable, convenient manner, making it easier for them to discover new music and artistes. All these factors have contributed to the incredible growth and success of the Nigerian music industry.

Zimbabweans have been privileged to watch the live shows of Davido and Burna Boy. They also had the opportunity to watch Wizkid who arrived here in 2016. However, the promoters of that show bungled up to the extent that the event did not take place. The event was supposed to take place at the Old Hararians Sports Club. It had been raining relentlessly for two days prior to the Saturday when the show was scheduled. The promoters had a chance to move the show to an indoor venue or cover the Old Hararians with tents, but they did not. Due to the rains, only a handful of fans showed up at the outdoor venue. When Wizkid saw this, considering his international status, he refused to perform in front of such a small crowd. He flew back to Nigeria.  He later said that he thought he was doing Zimbabweans a great favour by first of all accepting a small amount of money for his performance and secondly by visiting a country where other international artistes such as Bob Marley had graced but all in vain.

Davido had visited the country the year before and had made an impact when he performed at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). He gave the impression that Zimbabwean promoters are well organised and he received good publicity about his Zimbabwean tour in Nigeria.

After what seemed like a quiet period in Nigerian artistes coming to Zimbabwe, it was now Burna Boy’s turn.

The Grammy award winning African Giant, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Nigeria backed by his band The Outsiders, delivered one of the most memorable concerts at Harare’s Belgravia Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

Burna Boy silently slipped into Zimbabwe on Friday June 3, right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic  aboard a private Jet coming from Lagos managing to evade the eye of the media and staying off radar until his performance time. I wanted to interview him than but the people I asked had no clue where stayed until he had left.

There were several acts at the show who included Jah Prayzah.

The headline act Burna Boy emerged on stage close to midnight showing no signs of jet lag. Despite having been on a whirlwind with the Space Drift Tour across the globe, the African Giant flawlessly drifted from jam to jam as he gave the audience an experience of his meritoriously distinct baritone blend Yoruba, pidgin, English and a twist of Zulu.

The African Giant donned a simple outfit that landed on social media with a price list estimated around US$350 000. If that list is true then someone went home with a US$365 black shirt which he threw to the audience.

Engagement with the audience definitely came with good rewards as  some Zimbabwean girls in a bid to attract Burna Boy’s attention threw their bras on stage.  But Burna Boy is getting used to it, his recent shows were well decorated with bras and love from the sisters.

Indeed, the pioneer of Afro-beats, Fela Ransome Kuti may be dead but his influence in this genre lives on as it has empowered Nigeria’s young artistes such as Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido.

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