Royal Recognition: The King’s Music Room

In a remarkable gesture underscoring the global reach of African music, King Charles III launched The King’s Music Room, an exclusive feature on Apple Music. This playlist, personally curated by the King, spans ten decades and includes contributions from a diverse roster of artists, among them Nigerian Afrobeats stars Davido and Fave, as well as the legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba. The inclusion of these artists highlights the growing appreciation of African music within global contexts.

READ ALSO: Royal Vibes: How Afrobeats and Davido Brought Nigeria’s Sound to King Charles III

The royal endorsement is a testament to Afrobeats’ increasing prominence on the world stage. King Charles III emphasised music’s deep connection with memory and cultural celebration, stating, “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me,” and recognising its power to bring joy, comfort, and unity. This recognition not only elevates the profiles of the featured artists but also sheds light on the vibrant musical landscapes of the Commonwealth, reinforcing the importance of diverse voices in today’s music industry.

Celebrating Five Years of TurnTable Charts

As Afrobeats continues its ascent, the TurnTable charts celebrated five years of tracking Nigerian music statistics. Co-founded by Similoluwa Adegoke and Ayomide Oriowo, TurnTable has solidified its reputation as Nigeria’s longest-running music chart, providing a credible reflection of the country’s music consumption habits.

Before TurnTable’s inception, tracking music statistics in Nigeria was often fragmented and unreliable. Now, through strategic partnerships with streaming services and industry stakeholders, the platform provides comprehensive charts covering singles, albums, and genres. Adegoke highlighted the ongoing quest for credibility, stating, “We’ve always known that what’s going to give us credibility is the numbers.” Their success has transformed TurnTable certification plaques into highly coveted industry recognitions.

Record Revenue Returns from Spotify

In a groundbreaking revelation, Nigerian artists have collectively earned over ₦58 billion in royalties from Spotify in 2024, more than doubling the previous year’s earnings. This remarkable financial growth reflects not only the surging popularity of Nigerian music at home but also its expanding international appeal.

Spotify’s 2024 Loud & Clear report revealed that over one billion new listeners discovered Nigerian artists this year. Additionally, the number of Nigerian artists earning over ₦10 million in royalties has more than doubled. Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to supporting Nigerian musicians, stating, “The incredible growth of Nigerian music is a testament to the talent and creativity within Nigeria, and we are proud to support its continued rise.”

As Nigerian music’s global footprint expands, discussions are emerging about necessary infrastructural improvements in Nigeria’s internet services and economy to further enhance streaming capacities and artist visibility.

Notable New Releases

This week also brought a fresh slate of new music that is already making waves:

Davido – Be There Still: A highly anticipated single from his upcoming album 5ive, reflecting on his journey and determination in the industry.

Ruger – Toro

Wizard Chan & Odumodublvck – Flako

BhadBoi OML & Gimba – 247

Yemi Alade – Iyanu

Tay Iwar – Bad Belle

These releases embody the dynamic spirit of Afrobeats, showcasing its capacity to innovate and resonate with audiences worldwide.

As Afrobeats garners unprecedented recognition and financial success, the future looks brighter than ever for African music. With royal endorsements and an expanding global audience, the genre is poised to influence the global music industry significantly. The increasing revenue generation and milestones like TurnTable’s five-year anniversary further underscore the immense talent and cultural depth emerging from Nigeria and the broader African continent.

The key question now is: how will the industry adapt and evolve to sustain this momentum? With strategic investments in infrastructure and continued support for artists, Afrobeats is set to enter an even more exciting chapter, cementing its place as a powerful voice for Africa in the global music landscape.

The post Record Revenues and Royal Endorsement Push Afrobeats to New Heights appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

A global Afrobeats sensation, Davido has reshaped the music industry with his infectious rhythms and groundbreaking achievements. From being the first African artist to perform live at the MOBO Awards to featuring on the FIFA World Cup 2022 theme song, he has continuously elevated Afrobeats on the global stage. Known for hits like Fall and If, Davido has earned numerous accolades, including BET and MTV awards, while selling out iconic venues such as London’s O2 Arena. His four Grammy nominations further solidify his status as a trailblazer in African music. His influence extends beyond fans worldwide—to the British monarch himself.

Recently, King Charles III made headlines with his curated Apple Music playlist, The King’s Music Room, featuring a blend of global sounds from legends such as Beyoncé, Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, and Miriam Makeba. Among these carefully selected tracks is Davido’s Kante, featuring Fave—a song rich in contemporary Afrobeats elements and Pidgin lyrics.

“This song features lyrics in Pidgin, which I love in all its forms, and in which I attempted to make a speech when I last visited Nigeria,” the King remarked. He further acknowledged the genre’s global dominance, stating, “I understand that, thanks to Afrobeats, it is becoming ever more popular around the world.”

Afrobeats has transcended borders, firmly establishing itself as a dominant force in the global music industry. Nigerian artists have redefined Africa’s musical footprint, with sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena and chart-topping records commanding international acclaim. Leading this movement is Davido, celebrated for his dynamic beats, cross-cultural collaborations, and electrifying performances.

London, often regarded as a second home for Nigerian artists, thrives as a hub for Afro-Caribbean music and culture. British radio stations frequently feature Afrobeats tracks, while clubs and festivals pulsate with the infectious rhythms of Naija music. Renowned British musicians, such as Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, have collaborated with Nigerian artists, reinforcing Afrobeats’ influence on the global stage.

For King Charles III, this appreciation is more than a passing interest—it reflects the genre’s undeniable cultural significance. His playlist, designed to showcase the diverse sounds of the Commonwealth, acknowledges Afrobeats’ global impact. Yet, his fascination with Nigerian culture extends beyond music—it encompasses language, people, and the vibrant spirit of the nation.

This is not the first time King Charles has attempted to bridge the gap between the British monarchy and Nigerian culture. During a 2018 visit to Nigeria, he famously greeted an audience with the phrase “How you dey?”—a widely used Pidgin expression for “How are you?” His effort to connect through Nigeria’s informal lingua franca earned admiration, and later in the speech, he playfully added, “We de try,” further endearing himself to Nigerians.

Pidgin English, a creole blend of English and indigenous Nigerian languages, is spoken by millions across West Africa. It has become a key component of Nigerian pop culture, frequently infused into music, film, and everyday conversations. King Charles’ growing appreciation for Pidgin English signifies the increasing global recognition of the language as a powerful and dynamic cultural force.

Could King Charles III Speak Pidgin?

While it remains to be seen whether King Charles III will ever master Pidgin English, his enthusiasm alone has sparked conversations about cultural inclusivity and appreciation. Many Nigerians have taken to social media, playfully imagining the King engaging in casual Pidgin banter. One Twitter user joked, “Imagine King Charles saying ‘E choke!’ or ‘No wahala!’” referencing popular Nigerian slang.

Regardless of his fluency, one thing is clear: King Charles III’s love for Nigerian music and Pidgin English underscores the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats as a global cultural phenomenon. In the words of Davido himself: “We rise by lifting others.” And in this case, Afrobeats has lifted a King.

Who knows? On his next visit to Nigeria, King Charles might just surprise everyone by saying, “Naija no dey carry last!

King Richard Igimoh is the Group Editor of African Leadership Magazine, UK

The post Royal Vibes: How Afrobeats and Davido Brought Nigeria’s Sound to King Charles III appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The service was held at the Anglican Church in Harare, the nation’s capital.

During the memorial service, Bishop of Harare, Mutamiri said, “We think of you and we would like to reassure you of our prayers for the royal family, the new king, King Charles III, and the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the Commonwealth upon the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

The service was attended by a mixed congregation of Black and white participants. The British Ambassador to Zimbabwe also took part in the service.

Also, the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe Melanie Robinson said, “We have come together in this beautiful cathedral to give thanks for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is a fitting place for us to do so, in the sanctuary of the faith she held dear.”

But the queen’s death a week ago has stirred mixed feelings among some Africans about the legacy of colonialism on a continent where Britain once ruled more than half the territory.

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