A decade ago, 2016 marked a documented shift for Afrobeats. HipTV looks at the evolution of the genre from that point, when Nigerian Afrobeats music began recording verifiable global impact through chart entries, streaming growth, and international touring.
The period produced early international breakthroughs and sustained expansion, with Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Olamide emerging as prominent figures whose career milestones track how Afrobeats moved from regional dominance into the global music industry.
2016: A Turning Point for Afrobeats
In the same year, the Headies Awards celebrated Nigerian music’s rising influence. The 2016 Headies took place at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos on December 22. Kizz Daniel was the biggest winner of the night, taking home three awards including Best R&B/Pop Album, Album of the Year for New Era, and Hip Hop World Revelation.
Wizkid won Artiste of the Year, Olamide won Best Rap Single and Best Street-Hop Artist, and Mr Eazi received the Next Rated award. Other winners included Darey Art-Alade for Recording of the Year and Best R&B Single, IllBliss for Best Rap Album, and Patoranking for Best Reggae/Dancehall Single.
In 2016, Afrobeats entered global consciousness at scale. Wizkid’s feature on Drake’s One Dance helped the song reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced Afrobeats to mainstream pop audiences in North America and Europe. Around the same period, streaming platforms expanded access to Nigerian music, reducing dependence on traditional radio and physical distribution.
Wizkid: From Global Feature to Global Headliner
Wizkid’s 2020 album Made in Lagos delivered long-term global results. Essence featuring Tems entered the Billboard Hot 100 and later peaked in the top ten following a remix with Justin Bieber. He also sold out London’s O2 Arena multiple times and headlined Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2023.
Davido: Hitmaking and Industry Expansion
By 2016, Davido was already a dominant hitmaker in Nigeria with songs like Dami Duro and Aye. His collaborations with Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and others widened his audience. Albums like A Good Time and Timeless performed strongly on global streaming charts.
In 2023, Timeless recorded one of the biggest opening weeks for an African album on Spotify. Davido also invested in industry building; through Davido Music Worldwide, he signed and developed artists.
Burna Boy: Afro-Fusion to Global Recognition
Burna Boy represents the genre’s alternative global route. While less radio-driven in his early years, he built a strong identity rooted in Afro-fusion, reggae, and dancehall. His 2018 album Outside gained critical attention. African Giant in 2019 expanded his profile and earned a Grammy nomination.
In 2021, Twice As Tall won Best Global Music Album at the Grammy Awards. Burna Boy has since headlined arenas worldwide and sold out venues like Madison Square Garden.
Olamide: Street Culture and Artist Development
Olamide’s influence remained grounded in Nigerian culture. Since 2016, he has sustained dominance through street pop and indigenous rap. Albums such as The Glory, Carpe Diem, and Unruly produced multiple hit records.
Through YBNL Nation, he introduced Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Asake. Their later global success extended Olamide’s impact beyond his own catalogue.
Afrobeats Beyond 2016: A Global Movement
Since 2016, Afrobeats has secured dedicated Billboard charts, billions of streams, and major festival slots. Several newer artistes are pushing Afrobeats further into global markets. Asake has sold out major arenas in the United States and Europe following his breakthrough singles Omo Ope and Sungba.
Rema and Fireboy DML have charted on Billboard and UK charts with records such as Calm Down and Peru. Ayra Starr has appeared on global playlists and collaborated with international artistes, while Tems achieved her own Grammy nominations and featured on major U.S. hits beyond Essence.
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