Lagos Positioned as Global Epicentre of Afrobeats Music
Lagos is being hailed as the world’s creative heart for the genre of Afrobeats, according to a compelling analysis published in The Nation.
A Sound That Began Here
The article asserts that Lagos, the vibrant Nigerian megacity, is where Afrobeats was not only born but has been continuously nurtured. It states that while the city’s musical export has reached global acclaim via stars like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage, what is lacking is an official recognition of Lagos as the genre’s capital.
The Case for Formal Recognition
The analysis argues that obtaining formal status as the Afrobeats capital could unlock vast economic and cultural opportunities for Lagos. Some of the key potential benefits listed include:
A year-round creative tourism ecosystem beyond the popular “Detty December” festivities.
Significant job creation and investment through music, fashion, film, dance and allied sectors.
Enhanced global branding for Nigeria and Lagos, tapping into cultural soft-power.
Comparative examples are cited: cities such as New Orleans (for jazz), Kingston (for reggae), and Seoul (for K-pop) have all formalised their musical identities and built thriving cultural tourism industries. The article suggests Lagos could mirror or exceed such success.
A Strategic Initiative
Championing the push for recognition is Inspiro Productions and its project Planet Afrobeats, which aims to brand Lagos as the “Afrobeats Capital of the World”. The initiative emphasises a master-plan to turn Lagos’s musical and cultural energy into sustainable economic impact.
Why It Matters
The underlying message is that while Lagos already operates as the de-facto hub of Afrobeats culture, with its artists, studios, venues and global influence, formal recognition could catalyse its potential. The article asserts:
“Lagos doesn’t need permission to be Afrobeats’ home because it already is. What is needed is an intentional declaration, a master-plan and the courage to brand it boldly.”
Bottom Line
The article concludes that Lagos’s claim as the world’s Afrobeats capital is more than symbolic. It is a strategic endeavour that could transform the city into a long-term creative economy powerhouse. Recognition would mean moving beyond seasonal hype and building an infrastructure of festivals, conferences, residencies and cultural tourism anchored in Afrobeats.