The past week in Afrobeats has been a potent reminder that the genre’s global momentum is not slowing down—it’s accelerating, innovating, and redefining its place in world music. From record-breaking chart entries to historic recognitions and ground breaking collaborations, Afrobeats continues to affirm its status as one of the most influential cultural exports from Africa.
Chart Dominance: Tyla and Wizkid Lead the Charge
Tyla and Wizkid’s “DYNAMITE” made an explosive debut at No. 1 on the UK Afrobeats Chart, marking Tyla’s sixth chart-topper—her fourth to debut at the summit—and her 14th entry overall. Across the Atlantic, the track landed at No. 2 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart, securing Tyla’s 13th and Wizkid’s 19th Top 10 on the platform.
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This achievement is more than just another trophy on the shelf for two of Afrobeats’ most bankable stars. It underscores the genre’s ability to produce transcontinental hits that perform simultaneously in major Western markets—a feat that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago.
For Tyla, the win reinforces her role as one of the new generation’s flagbearers—an artist who, while not exclusively an Afrobeats act, openly acknowledges that the genre’s global rise paved her road to success. For Wizkid, it’s yet another testament to his staying power; more than a decade after his breakout, he remains a consistent hitmaker at home and abroad.
Institutional Recognition: Billboard’s Definitive Afrobeats 50
In a move that formalises Afrobeats’ legacy, Billboard unveiled its list of the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time. The ranking spans nearly two decades, from foundational hits like Weird MC’s “Ijoya” (2006) to recent global smashes like Burna Boy’s “Last Last” (2022).
Billboard’s criteria—stylistic authenticity, local popularity, cultural impact, and commercial success—reflect the genre’s evolution from a Lagos party scene sound to a global commercial force. Importantly, the list distinguishes Afrobeats (plural) from Afrobeat (singular), the politically charged 1960s genre pioneered by Fela Kuti, emphasising the former’s fusion of West African rhythms with hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and pop influences.
This recognition cements Afrobeats’ cultural importance and places it alongside other globally dominant genres in historical documentation. For African artists, it signals that the world is no longer just consuming Afrobeats—it’s archiving it.
Cross-Continental Synergy: Gunna’s Global Tracklist
American rapper Gunna’s new album The Last Wun illustrates how deeply Afrobeats has penetrated the global music scene. Featuring Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Asake alongside U.S. stars like Offset, the project blends Atlanta trap with African rhythmic sensibilities.
These collaborations are not mere feature swaps—they’re strategic fusions. Burna Boy’s and Asake’s street-informed Afrobeats energy complements Gunna’s melodic trap flows, while Wizkid’s silky delivery bridges R&B and Afropop. This is Afrobeats, not as a feature, but as a co-equal creative force shaping global hip-hop’s next chapter.
Ecosystem Growth: Live, Streams, and Subgenres
Beyond charts and collaborations, Afrobeats is deepening its infrastructure:
• Touring Power: Wizkid’s Senior Man Tour is driving sold-out shows and multimillion-dollar revenues, while Ghana’s hiplife fusion is making inroads on Grammy platforms, showcasing Africa’s sonic diversity.
• Streaming Surge: Billboard reports a 15% year-on-year increase in Afrobeats streaming, with collaborations like “DYNAMITE” driving global sales spikes.
• Subgenre Expansion: Alté, street-pop, amapiano-infused Afrobeats, and gospel-fused releases like Angeloh’s “ONLY YOU” are pushing creative boundaries and attracting niche audiences.
Cultural Conversations: Women Driving Innovation
Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body” and the ongoing genre debates sparked by Tems’ R&B-leaning catalogue highlight a key truth: women in Afrobeats are not just participating—they are reshaping the genre’s sound, themes, and global perception.
Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Tems each approach music with distinct stylistic identities, yet they collectively represent Afrobeats’ widening spectrum. Their success is also driving conversations around what counts as “authentically Afrobeats” in a world of fluid genre boundaries.
Why This Week Matters
This week’s developments illustrate three truths about Afrobeats in 2025:
1. It’s a Global Chart Force – Hits like “DYNAMITE” prove Afrobeats can perform competitively in multiple major markets simultaneously.
2. It’s Culturally Archived – Billboard’s definitive list signals that Afrobeats has entered the canon of recorded music history.
3. It’s Actively Shaping Global Music – From Gunna’s tracklist to hybrid gospel hits, Afrobeats is not just influencing other genres—it’s co-creating them.
As New Music Friday brings fresh entries—from Victony & Terry G’s “Tanko” to Amaarae’s Blackstar album—the genre’s creative pipeline remains as diverse as it is prolific. The rallying cry “Afrobeats to the World” has evolved from aspiration to reality—and now, to legacy-building.
