2022 in review: The defining moments for Afrobeats
The past twelve months were more than eventful for Afrobeats and particularly, the Nigerian music industry. It was a season that had everything from breakthroughs to brawls and bombshells.
HAPPY NEW YEAR AfroDivers!
Even though 2022 has passed, we can all acknowledge that it was a really huge year for the African music industry. Testament to the power of our analysis, AfroDives predicted the trends that would shape the industry in 2022 and none of them missed.
We predicted that there were going to be breakout stars and even if the astronomical ascent of Asake was not specifically mentioned, quite a number of stars broke out this year and of course, the industry is all the better with more talents and voices.
Firstklaz talent
And speaking of more voices, one that will amaze music fans is Firsklaz. Firstklaz, born Justice Esla Joseph, is a fast-rising Afro-fusion talent that makes the music industry better for it.
He belongs to the elite class of musicians adept at fusing genres into his music to the delight of fans and listeners alike.
The Nigerian singer has been rocking the mic since he was 10, learning the basics from the church choir. In the Nigerian music space, the ‘church choir’ is a necessary rite as many superstars today started their journey in the church before going on to take the industry by storm.
Jamming Firstklaz’s songs brings the inevitable feeling that it’s only a matter of time before he starts to grace the biggest of stages. He already has about 11 singles to his credit, with many of them doing the rounds on radio airwaves in Nigeria.
Click to listen to one of his singles, I No Won Go School, because when you see him on the grand stages, don’t be surprised. AfroDives told you he was coming.Â
The top moments for Afrobeats in 2022
It is an arduous task to want to pick the top moments for a humongous music industry like Nigeria’s but it’s worth giving a try.
One thing no one will want to argue about is the man of the year. Does it need to be said? From the run of about seven songs and climaxing it with an album while not forgetting to whet appetites with one of the most exciting chemistries between a singer and a video director - TG Omori, Asake gave fans virtually everything in 2022.
Even on the controversial front, there was the show lateness, the 02 stampede and the wardrobe malfunction on stage. It’ll be interesting to see how many plaques he’s NOT going to win when award shows kick off.
2022 was Asake’s year. Unprecedented. Unrivalled.
In terms of awards, The Headies gave critics a lot to say when they took their show to Atlanta, United States.
The Mohbad and Naira Marley brawl was not a pleasant sight but for many vawulent music lovers, it was something to relish. Mohbad’s diss track was something even MI or Vector would have applauded.
Then of course, Ruger and Buju (BNXN) also had their social media spat while Blaqbonez didn’t hold his hatred back for Carter Efe.
Another person who spared no thought in 2022 was the big bird, Wizkid. He kicked off by telling his industry mates to call him ‘Daddy.’ After flaunting sensuality and his superstardom on his much-anticipated More Love Less Ego album, he expressed his disgust for rap and doing shows in Nigeria. However, his backtracking couldn’t halt the effect of what he initially said.
2022 should have been the best year for Davido who was part of the singing crew for the Qatar 2022 World Cup theme song only for tragedy to strike. For one person who has always given out a lot of love, he sure got it back in manifolds as the industry showed him love from various quarters.
Kizz Daniel got his World Cup wish as well after performing in Qatar. Fireboy was on stage for the BET Awards, performed with Ed Sheeran at Wembley and even had the country Peru acknowledge his global hit single.
Finally, AfroDives started making a mark in the industry as we got partnerships and sponsorships to show for our brilliant content marketing moves.
What to expect in 2023? Watch out for our predictions!