In a significant acknowledgment of the rising global influence of African music, the GRAMMYs and Billboard have officially classified Nigerian artist, Burna Boy, under the emerging AfroFusion genre. 

This categorization stands as a testament to the increasing commercial and cultural clout of music from African artists in the American music landscape.

The ascendancy of Afrobeats in the U.S. has been consistent and remarkable. Tracing its milestones, Davido’s 2017 hit “Fall” paved the way as the first Nigerian track to receive a gold certification from the RIAA in 2020. 

Also, read; Burna Boy’s Mother, Bose Ogulu Honored with ‘History Maker Award 2023’ at Prestigious Best of Africa Awards, London

Not to be left behind, Wizkid and Tems’ collaboration on “Essence” achieved a groundbreaking feat in 2021, becoming the first Afropop number to break into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Burna Boy’s album, “Love, Damini”, further etched AfroFusion’s prominence by debuting at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 in 2022, setting a record as the highest-charting Afro-fusion album in Billboard’s history. 

This wave of success continued with Rema and international pop sensation Selena Gomez’s track “Calm Down” soaring to unprecedented heights. The song not only topped the U.S. Afrobeats Songs and Pop Airplay charts but also clinched the No. 3 spot on the Hot 100.

These achievements underscore the irresistible appeal and dynamism of Afrobeats, a genre that beautifully melds traditional African sounds with contemporary global rhythms. With the GRAMMYs and Billboard’s recognition, the future seems even brighter for AfroFusion and its ambassadors on the global stage.