THE AFROBEATS STORY
In the last decades, Afrobeats has exploded into the global mainstream. The Afrobeats Story traces its ascent and undeniable impact.
In 2024, Afrobeats sits at the centre of global pop music. This triumph of African culture globally is unprecedented. Afrobeats marks a before and after in Africa’s musical history. There's momentum, innovation and a built-in global audience for the genre on a never-before-seen scale.
Global Faaji chronicles the evolution of the genre head-on and at a critical moment. As Afrobeats enters a new era, this groundbreaking exhibition invites you to look at its journey, roots and evolution.
The Afrobeats story told through an immersive exhibition
The Afrobeats Story is a tangible manifestation of the complex story of a simple sound — a beat that has resisted definition and mutated across artists, borders and subgenres. Dive into the sound of an unparalleled global cultural crossover.
The exhibition will launch in Lagos, Nigeria – the heart and birthplace of Afrobeats. Charting its worldwide dominance, The Afrobeats Story will travel to key cities around the world, ranging from New York, London and Paris, to Accra and Dubai (with the potential for more locations). Join us for the first-ever multi-sensory retrospective chronicling the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats.
A LOOK BACK IN TIME…
Today, Afrobeats’ global influence is too large to ignore: African music is everywhere; African artists have become mainstays on the world’s biggest stages, with international pop stars eagerly tapping into their sound; Africa is the fastest-growing music market and the emerging frontier for major labels and streaming platforms.
The genre’s success might seem sudden to some but this is a movement that has been in the works for years. To tell the story faithfully, we start with the moment we find ourselves in now: Celebrating Afrobeats’ thriving music culture and its success in connecting with fans and influencing music the world over.
Take a journey back in time with us to discover just how Afrobeats became such an important segment of worldwide consumption within its short lifetime. Exclusive interviews with artists, insiders and experts, dynamic music, fashion and video archives, as well as interactive features track a culture in motion from the 2000s to today.
WHY DOES THIS STORY NEED TO BE TOLD NOW?
Against all odds, this was the era Africans demanded space and became truly visible. Afrobeats’ success offered a sparkling counter to the antagonizing narratives associated with us up until now.
In 2010, ‘Afrobeats’ wasn’t even a term yet. But in 2024, global audiences have become accustomed to encountering African culture. And the strongest and most direct connection to the heartbeat of Africa coalesces in the music.
With a globally recognized culture of pop superstars and dedicated music fans, the continent is transforming into a global creative centre. Still, Afrobeats has not received its due and remains largely misunderstood. We don’t want to lose this moment to history – like so much of African culture. Global Faaji bridges that gap by faithfully chronicling the story, educating and inspiring Afrobeats’ audience on the origins and the future of the sound.
It’s time to get the Afrobeats story straight.
Efya
“Most of us didn’t believe that we could create a sound that is appealing worldwide and would be accepted. [But] a few of us knew it in our hearts, we knew that there was a purpose for what we were doing and if we tapped into it, it would be magical.”
Wale Davies