Is Afrobeat evolving or losing its authenticity? This is the burning question that Nigerian music lovers, enthusiasts, and die-hard Afrobeat fans can’t stop debating.

With a variety of Afrobeat styles dominating the mainstream—from Burna Boy's jazzy vibes to Wizkid's chilled grooves and Portable's chaotic sweetness—it’s clear the Afrobeat sky is vast enough to accommodate the different assortments. 

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However, Tyla's win as Afrobeat Artist of the Year with her hit single Water, while notable, raises eyebrows for side-lining chart-topping Afrobeat anthems like Ayra Starr's Rush and Rema's Calm Down. It highlights the growing need to clearly define what truly constitutes  Afrobeat music, especially on the global stage

Nigerian culture and music are the bedrock of Afrobeats, and it’s beautiful to witness the global embrace of our art. However, the fear of losing its authenticity is valid. Another concern is how some Afrobeat artists rise to the top, and adjust their sound to cater to new audiences. Artists like Asake, Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, and some others have been called out for this. So, where do we draw the line between evolving for adaptability and staying true to the authenticity that defines Afrobeats?

Wizkid’s two new singles suggest he may now be mastering the art of balancing authenticity for his oldies while still catering to his Piece of Me audience. The Pakurumo hitmaker recently dropped two tracks: 'Kese', which radiates the vibrant essence of authentic Afrobeat, and his one-month-old single 'A Piece of My Heart', which seamlessly fuses R&B with Afrobeat influences.

Could this become the new norm for the Nigerian music industry? A dance between authentic Afrobeat and evolving sounds among our Afrobeats mega stars, or will the battle lines continue to be drawn until Afrobeats fully "evolves"? We anticipate Afrobeats' 2025 diary, which may somewhat be a determining factor of how far—or how close—we are to preserving the authentic Afrobeat sound.