AFROBEATS IS GENTRIFIED: Is it the END of a Genre?

#afrobeats #afrobeat #unavailable #unavailablechallenge #lattolatto
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Music : "Love so Good"
The Ongoing Project
patreon: patreon.com/mayowasworld
paypal.me/mayowasworld
venmo: @mayowasworld
mayowasworld
Music : "Love so Good"
The Ongoing Project

[@JL-ow5hp]

The short answer is NO it did not need a remix. I’m really glad Rema is able to have more eyes on him but it just shows that you are not allowed to be successful on a grand scale until white people co-sign and say you are ‘allowed’ to be successful

[@Lisette121]

Exactly

[@mylene_b]

Definitely agree, on top of that they're shitty remixes 😂

[@saxviars9749]

I try to put people on Rema but since that remix dropped they always like "oh the one who did that selena song" and I'm always like noooooooooooooooo.

[@dajiyahmcae1880]

It made me really disheartened to hear that remix because I saw him in Dallas last year in a packed club where he put on a SHOW! I said "this kid is going places". Then he remixed a great song to include a white women and I just don't get why they don't think we can be successful without them.

[@melaninkind8783]

@@dajiyahmcae1880 Exactly. I‘m still very disappointed about Rema featuring Selena in his already popular song. As far as I can remember Selena is a r@yc!st (type in on Google Selena Gomez r@yc*st and you will also see that she wrote r@yc!st tweet related to Black Lives Matter), so it really struck me a nerve when Black artists work with „known“ r@yc*st wh*tes. Another example is r@yc*st Latina bleach demon camilla cabello or latto whose previous stage name was m/u/Latto and she called her pretty Darkskin hairstylist an orange utan. (video proof is available on the internet)

[@Restyoursoul287]

You are not exaggerating, it is a slow and steady erasure of the African presence in music. It's very sad.

[@LoXena]

Give them a few years, they will say they "invented" it. The same way they said Anitta invented twerk.

[@blaqwitch7781]

That's true, but the crazy part is, we'll just make something even better! 😂 👑

[@shaspearman8647]

It’s not erasure, we will continue to create. Africans (including black americans) are the very foundation of human life on this planet. We are like the earth, ARE the earth, everything comes from us. But instead of others truly praising and having a reciprocal relationship with us, they only exploit, abuse and take us for granted, like the earth. And we will still be the ever giving, long suffering mother.

[@sawtooth808]

⁠@@blaqwitch7781 That is usually the case. If I were you, I would look to the future (Afro Futurism that is 😉)

[@nelsona3468]

It’s a bit early to say this - if they start producing Afro beats heavily on their own then yeah, the same thing that happened to rock, jungle and techno-ish would happen. But idk, Afro beats is tied up on a different language/ dialect so it won’t be easy

[@mylene_b]

The original versions of all of these songs are way better than the remixes with white artists. Yes, it's cash grab. You can also add jazz to the long list of genres that got gentrified and whitewashed.

[@JulianSteve]

Add Reggaeton as well :/

[@stephanielove2662]

I don’t see white artists ever dominating Afro beats like they’ve done reggae. I do say it has went mainstream being that those artist have a different fan base.

[@Sew_OzzyWar_Made_This]

Let's not forget country and rock. Seeing it real life with Hip Hop is the saddest thing ever 😢

[@Sew_OzzyWar_Made_This]

​@@JulianSteveJulian!!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Sew_OzzyWar_Made_This]

​@@JulianSteveand yes, agreed!! Add reggaeton too!!!

[@Xara_K1]

I'm so tired of us getting played by the exact same people over and over again, and our people going, "This time, it will be different. Our ancestors were MUCH better organized and less integrated and they STILL got played. What makes us think we are better prepared and able to gatekeep when we are the most propagandised and distracted ever???

[@codewordeiei0404]

Sis tell ‘em cause I’ve been trying to get them to understand 🙏🏾

[@cosmicneuromelanatedgoddess]

Exactly

[@Nooooooooooooooooooooo7913]

TRUE

[@Gloandgrow]

No “we” not getting played. Those negros are letting themselves be played. It’s weirddd in this big 2023 mfs are still ass kissing whiteness it’s their fault

[@Liberty-hp9zx]

It's so hard to walk through life with eyes to see such things because so many can not see...

[@Miriam-ui5pw]

It's our fault. We let people into our spaces and rarely do they reciprocate. RIP AFROBEATS

[@anonymousanonymous870]

Exactly

[@fruitsarelife7073]

💯 💯 it’s becoming so weak it’s disgusting

[@welliminitnowso]

I skip Selena’s part every time it comes on the radio .

[@julisa3100]

It’s not our fault it’s nature. As humans we are social beings. Africa as a continent contains many places and countries that are collectivist. It’s always been the spirit to share and to help one another because we cannot survive alone. I’m not talking about living alone. I’m talking about doing everything for yourself. We need each other. bUT. There will always be people who take advantage of this. Despite that unity powers over all. It’s not easy all the time but it is more natural. People can steal and take and gentrify or whatever but the spirit and soul of authenticity, creativity, and altruism never fades. People gravitate towards things like that (even if it’s not popular at that point in time). This is what gets the attention of the masses sooner or later. Creativity is invite. Let them have it who cares. They will toss it aside for the next shiny thing but the soul will live on.

[@selenama]

​@julisa3100 Nah, we just don't know how to gatekeep for ish. We don't protect our craft and our people the way we're supposed to and never have, which is partly why the yuropeens have been allowed to fuck us over for the last centuries. We don't just invite them to the cookout, we let them take over and organize all the future cookouts without even requiring them to invite us back.

[@zinks8348]

As a South African, this BS is the exact reason why we're so protective of Amapiano, the music industry is a cesspool of banal and uninspired 'artists' ran and controlled by greedy record labels and execs. Also the hype around afro beats is what's essentially driving it to be the new cash-grab tactic in the industry, it's all inauthentic, K-pop (which has a history of excessive anti-blackness) has even hopped onto it too, we gotta put an end to the nonsense. GOTTA GATE-KEEP!!!!!

[@mikasjewels5772]

Please gate keep amapiano, becauae it can easily be hijacked by the whites....as they can seemingly dance on beat to it.

[@deamorebeaute2412]

You got to gatekeep the African continent, as well. If you can't gatekeep the culture there, it's not going to be controlled outside the African continent, either. Lead by example.

[@LaiLai..]

Same thing is slowly happening with Amapiano because it’s becoming popular in Western culture .

[@amzyblues405]

What are you talking about? I’ve seen white people claiming ampiano cos they are South “African”

[@offlicense6097]

I literally stop listen to txt when they released an "afrobeats song" and never credited it as such its so eerie

[@veeg4029]

Yeah I actual hate that there's so many collabs with these non-Black artist... I'm visiting home (US) and on one radio station they say "and that was Calm Down by Selena Gomez" I get so pissed like UM HELLO! SHE'S THE FEATURE.. THEE CAUCASITY

[@mayowasworld]

LOL OUT OF POCKET

[@Alieth]

What makes you think that black American artists would necessarily make good collabs with African afrobeat artists?

[@sageandsapphire]

tysm for talking about this! let's not forget that Spice lost a grammy to a white group based out of Virginia who are appropriating the reggae genre...

[@MsElizaRae]

WHAT?!

[@prettypearlsinmyheart]

oh my god as a jamaican i remember being so annoyed about this

[@mayowasworld]

Wtf!!! See I hate that. I love spice so much

[@JulianSteve]

Yes, I remember that. Very embarrassing too💀…

[@chanzy8613]

The Grammys are a joke I haven’t taken them seriously in years

[@AmanirenaII]

The way Rock N Roll was so thoroughly gentrified....... truly breaks my heart 😣😣

[@Mari-od1ir]

This!!

[@TheGardenGoddess]

So Sad!

[@deamorebeaute2412]

Techno, house, country, salsa, and kizomba music genres, as well.

[@antoniacapellaborges6566]

@@deamorebeaute2412bruh Kizomba is VERY much still Angolan. What are you talking about? 🤨 Those videos you see of Brancos/Non Angolans slow dancing is Tarraxa or Cabo-Zouk with Angolan steps

[@scormier1765]

Reggae

[@sohanicridland9116]

This is what I’ve been thinkin, saying, expressing. Too many people are unaware that Black cultures (American, African, etc.) started a lot of the music genres, choreographies, fashion styles, hairstyling, and the list goes on. And the credit is never recognized, yet they say it’s bitter to complain about it. Also, love the look. Blue is your color. 💙🦋🐬

[@rhearoo3081]

That is what is frustrating. Like if credit was given and shown, I don't feel like it would rub people the wrong way.

[@JulianSteve]

Exactly. I made a video almost a month ago on the gentrification of Reggaeton. Now, I am seeing parallels with Afro-Beats as well. It’s really sad how the originators are being kicked out of the mainstream market. Then again, I am seeing folks discussing why mainstream success isn’t always good. Now, I am thinking about that🤔💯

[@deamorebeaute2412]

African-American culture is African, because African-Americans are African. Stop separating us.

[@AngelicaEstherxo]

@@deamorebeaute2412 other countries in the world are African descendants too you know..... And African Americans are African descendent as well, not Africans. Africans don't see ya'll as Africans, trust me.

[@tjjohnson136]

@deamorebeaute2412 Oh please cut it out. Were black American and that’s it. Our lineage is so far detached from Africa that we are now our own people. We are us and they are them.

[@eryabolonha]

I understand the need to 'connect' africans, african- americans/black americans, the diaspora in general. But despite enjoying non-black artists, I don't understand this need to have them co-sign what should've been a 'diasporan' movement

[@CourtTV.]

Mainstream artists won't be allowed to have ppl co sign And african American is a misnomer elon musk is a afrikaner cannanite. Most of us are indigenous in america

[@wambokodavid7109]

@@CourtTV. sure....also you are Hebrews and Chinese and Japanese.... anything but african.🤷🏿‍♂️😂

[@juniebob4420]

@@CourtTV.Hotep

[@ahothoneyb]

Nothing we (black people) create can ever stay just for us. We are so conditioned to believe that we need to appeal to the masses, that we do it to our own detriment. We destroy what makes our art special because it has to be “digestible for everyone.” I hate it. I hate remixed Afro beats with artists that have nothing to do with the genre. It all sounds white washed and bad.

[@DanceArchives24]

You said this so eloquently, sis! I agree with everything u said.

[@fruitsarelife7073]

Exactly, our people sabotage themselves. They seek too much approval.

[@siralphey234]

You're perfectly allowed to not appreciate collaborations and musical crossovers. But that doesn't make them abnormal, that doesn't mean they shouldn't happen and that certainly doesn't mean they lack integrity and artistic or cultural merit. Y'all are so negative and spiteful. It might surprise you, but some artists like other cultures to embrace theirs and be touched by it. Y'all are acting like Africans are not the staple of Afrobeats anymore, WE ARE and WILL ALWAYS BE. These artists have ownership and power, y'all just don't want to believe it because they are associated with a white person they fuck with and want to make music with. Why? Why this insecurity? Oppression is still rampant in many areas yes, but Black artists are not forced to do anything they don't want to. For example, Rema was building a friendship with Selena before the remix drop...fast forward they might be nominated for and win several Grammies together. What does it matter what her upbringing is? Afrobeats is huge worldwide but success operates on a different metric when it comes to the US, a remix with an American (no matter their color) can get you to chart because their label will definitely have pull for radio. Why are you guys mad an African wants to chart in America if the shit y'all want to defend in the first place, is ownership? Be for real.

[@sacha7440]

@@siralphey234good points.

[@imarip9781]

Not necessarily bc Burna Boy has done things differently..

[@mundu3]

As an East African, it's hard for Africans to gate keep anything, because if Africans are being honest, we have very little control, most of our famous artists nowadays don't have that Integrity and respect for Mama Africa like the old artists, they just want to be accepted so badly internationally, and they don't care, they are getting more famous and more money. South Africans better protect Amapiano, because they'll come for that next.

[@anonymousanonymous870]

I blame patriarchy for that,

[@younggold1416]

@@anonymousanonymous870I’m honestly very curious. How does patriarchy get the blame for that?

[@Jabari-vm6jq]

I knew Afrobeats days were numbered when Ed Sheeran inserted himself into the remix for Peru by Fireboy DML. I'm from Tanzania and a few yrs ago I started to see Tanzanian artists collabing with artists from other African countries. I repeat, OTHER AFRICAN ARTISTS. And I thought that shit was beautiful. But now it's looking grim for all of African music.

[@priscilla8068]

Listen I saw the Kpop industry also coming for afro beats and I knew then and there that we're in trouble. I hate how things made by black people always have to go through this stage of being "colonized", watered down and eventually popularized by non white people to a point where most people don't even credit the originators of said thing. The sad part is that our people encourage these things and they even defend these people and call us all kinds of names for not agreeing with any of this.

[@258Loures]

Isn't a surprise. JYPE is very *fond* of noir cultuur, they had a group very much skin to the Supremes and similars but without the vocal prowess.

[@themasterofkpop]

That funny you angry about asians making afrobeats when afro beats is build on 808 drum invented in japan🤣🤣

[@wambokodavid7109]

@@themasterofkpop yeah....stop please.

[@themasterofkpop]

@@wambokodavid7109 but it's the truth 🤔

[@wambokodavid7109]

@@themasterofkpop how.... african sounds sound different from Asian sounds

[@papertape7911]

It's timely you made this video because this was exactly what I predicted in 2018 when I was speaking with someone who wanted Afrobeats to go global. I was telling them that rap/hip-hop/rnb have been colonized and gentrified and the same will happen to Afrobeats because that's how white supremacy works. Welp, this is why I've hyper-invested in the Afrobeats artists who make music in their languages, not English.

[@Xara_K1]

I've been dreading it for years. I knew it would get here

[@bre9328]

Ironically EVERYONE gentrified rap/rnb/hip hop INCLUDING Africans and Caribbeans

[@papertape7911]

@@bre9328 no argument here. I agree, music all around the world has been heavily influenced by African American culture and music, with zero credit given or acknowledgment.

[@Tunmhise]

Like asake

[@cosmicneuromelanatedgoddess]

Yep everything that we have cultivated no matter where we are in the world there is always someone that does not look like us that wants to colonize and claim it for their own and it's F'd up because we allow it.

[@victoriousspirit8955]

Mayowa your not alone in your observations. This same thing (cultural theft) has happened with country music , blues, jazz, hip hop, rock music , techno which were all created by “black” /melanated people. The music was created by us but was hijacked by palm colored people. I personally crave deep music again. Some people call it “soul” music because we (melanated people) create from the depths of our “being” / Soul! Artists such as Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, India Arie etc are shunned in mainstream media because they uplift all shades and sizes of black woman and empower us to be free , strong and liberated! Afrobeats is the rhythm and influence of our ancestors….. it’s Empowering to our people! The “powers that be “ want to infiltrate and water down out unity and empowerment by stealing our sound. Music for our people is Not just tunes its Power!

[@ladybug3380]

WE ARE music that’s why we feel it so deeply, we vibrate at a different frequency than them.

[@victoriousspirit8955]

@@ladybug3380 your right! 💯👏🏾👑❤️ We Are Music!

[@khem127]

I'm an older sister , and I still listen to it. I just got finished listening to "Rocking in the same ol Boat" by Bobby Bland , and Aretha Franklin "I can't see myself leavin you". I just need to touch base on our soul music.

[@shhhperry9852]

They colonize all of our ish. It’s so annoying.

[@gee9342]

We let them

[@kant.68]

🤦‍♂️

[@shhhperry9852]

@@gee9342 True… They let them… I’m not with that ish.

[@arandomautizzy]

I hope the African born people are ready for it Because I'm sick over here in America of our shit and culture being used like a fucking toy

[@thecosmicblueautie]

The moment the music industry said that they were ditching rap music in general for afrobeats and Latin music is how you know the genre is about to get milked dry for everything it's worth and then some, if it wasn't already.

[@moremiaj4786]

i saw this vacation advertisement and it was using afrobeats..... it was so weird and It made me a bit upset.

[@senayon85]

This is why I stream other genres of African music & Afrobeat artists who are still authentic. My South African people better gatekeep Amapiano and not let anyone water it down for profit.

[@Jayde-ng4wr]

Any recommendations for artisits?

[@sacha7440]

I will remain a lover of amapiano! I’m even learning more about Congolese music.

[@senayon85]

@Jayde-ng4wr look into Amapiano. Personally, I grew up in Cameroon and love listening to our indigenous music (makossa, etc) and genres from other parts of Africa. I like Congolese music from Central Africa, Ivorian music from Ivory Coast and South African music. Just to name a few. I also love compa/zouk vibes from our french carribean folk in the diaspora. But you need to explore for yourself. Good luck.

[@thezu9250]

The one thing I appreciated about Afrobeat music was the representation of beautiful African culture. It was great to see women shot in wonderful lighting, make up and clothing especially with dark skin and natural hair/hairstyles. Now, the music videos are starting to look like the same stuff I see in North America. I just hate it. I also don’t like how the videos are over sexualizing women now.

[@chelsaaa3548]

This is why I appreciate artists like flavour, lil kesh, zinoleesky, olamide, kizz Daniel, Yemi Alade, falz, tiwa savage, tekno; they are the few Nigerian artists that still maintain their roots, though they may not be as global. Another thing I remember is that afrobeats used to be so able to dance too, not so much anymore. Also, am I the only one that hates the word “afrobeats” ?😩

[@sakurachan9088]

You’re absolutely right. I’m Nigerian and I hated all these remixes, personally if they were branching out to collab I was hoping more collabs with black Caribbean artistes would be the go since their music sounds so similar to ours. Like who wouldn’t want to hear yemi alade and nailah blackman on a track

[@citizencoy4393]

Would have been a major power play to put africa on top and set boundaries but our ppl are talked out of looking after collective FIRST (as ALL others do) every single time.

[@Rizzo215]

But yet African artists collaborative with black American artists in our music, yet we can't collab with your music? That's out-of-pocket

[@sakurachan9088]

@@Rizzo215 where in my comment did I say that African artistes should not collab with African American artistes? QUICKLY

[@Rizzo215]

@@sakurachan9088 your whole comment, you rather everything's and Caribbeans because they sound similar right? That's what you just said. Quickly

[@sakurachan9088]

@@Rizzo215 you constructed a whole new sentence. I just said I’d like to hear more collabs with Afro Caribbeans, never said anything about not wanting any collabs with African American artistes. Mind you the people in focus on this particular video or the non blacks on these remixes, not African Americans so only god knows where you drew that weird conclusion from

[@shaani7978]

I’m glad you’re speaking on this. I was disappointed with these remixes and collabs. They don’t even enhance the original track.

[@phylliewilly]

100% agree! It started getting commercialised a while ago and it's killing the essence and vibe of it. Most of the guest appearances and remixes by "bigger" starts weren't needed but ppl are more interested in "success" and money. It's sad. For me, 2011 - 2015 for the peak. I'm struggling with it now.

[@ProductBae]

Every time I heard the radio versions with the “bigger” stars it ruined it for me. They never needed that! Glad someone else agrees.

[@phylliewilly]

@@ProductBae totally feel the same! I wish we had more confidence in what we bring to the table and we were more concerned about legacy rather than cash grabs. It's making beautiful music a fad! All fads die!

[@salanasilver]

thankkkkkkk youuuuuuuuu. I tell this to my African friends all the time they don't believe me. For me it started when Chris Brown hopped on so many afrobeat songs I'm like yup here it comes. The music videos will start to change too, RIP. edit: just finished the video, again, thankkkkkk youuuuuu and congrats on clearing your skin 🫶🏾

[@jujubee6030]

Don’t forget about Drake hopping on them too

[@thecryptoqueen215]

Chile it’s like blk ppl don’t feel validated unless a white or damn near white ppl “co-signs” & Im over it. I’ve been over it in A LOT of different areas!!!😩

[@strawb3rryluv]

@@princessprincess7708huh?

[@pikapi6993]

maybe it's not about them being white, but who they are as a person and brand? I mean Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran? These people are huge names in the industry. Wouldn't anyone be proud to work with them??

[@INTERESTEDINFORMEDINSPIRED]

You are spot on. Mainstream equals appealing to whiteness versus the masses. Your makeup is beautiful

[@mayowasworld]

Thank you boo!

[@mikasjewels5772]

Omg ive been saying this for years. I am African American my ex husband is Nigerian and I lived in Nigeria. I feel protective of afrobeats but I do have to tread lightly because I'm not Nigerian but the old naija stuff was sooooooo good!! this is why I love Asake....I hope he doesn't fail me ooo. Edit: In 2013 I saw Brandy in Lagos at the airport! And I looooove Somebodys son. Also, I read Fela and James Brown were friends but had a conflict about this very topic.

[@phylliewilly]

This colour looks amazing on you - your eyes are glowy. So bright and lovely xx

[@incognitonegress3453]

She is jus heavenly. 💕 💞 ♥️ 💜 💙

[@anniepannie8682]

Yeah, many ppl aren't aware that Detroit created techno- its the birthplace of techno #Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson❤

[@mayowasworld]

We give thanks to their innovation!

[@spiritualscorpiowoman1530]

I just learned this in this video.

[@sacha7440]

I’m in Michigan and didn’t know this wow!

[@cmg25]

Today years old, but not surprised.

[@thezu9250]

I was literally reading a comment on a K-pop video that was using house music and someone was calling it European. Something about that made me so frustrated.

[@rhemy1]

The problem also is that the black community needs to control access points to markets-radio stations, ticket sales, marketing channels, etc.. when black artists go to white people to access these channels that’s when they are told they need to whiten up their music to have a bigger reach.

[@LickBamboo]

I love when you pointed out that it will NEVER be reciprocated! Taylor swift will not be in Nigeria looking for her next feature to give a dark skin artist a boost cause she loved their music!

[@xoxomagily1038]

Fr! Selena is just trying to stay relevant because she isn’t the most talented singer. She is just a popular woman using new black artists to her advantage. But yeah! We won’t see Taylor do the same because she’s actually can sing and carry own weight.

[@Molly-iw1rc]

Beyonce's afrobeats kinda slapped though, because it felt like it centered the artists a bit more than herself in much of the album. And it exposed many African Americans to Yoruba.

[@bre9328]

The amount of time Africans and Caribbeans appropriated black American culture/music....they better sat down somewhere

[@CrystalAcheing]

@@bre9328same for AA

[@bre9328]

​@@CrystalAcheingNot really. By in large, most black Americans don't appropriate African or Carribean culture. Most of the time, black Americans can't even spot the difference between themselves and Africans and Caribbeans

[@danikcjs]

@@bre9328 the same can be said about African Americans appropriating West Indian culture and music babe

[@melaninkind8783]

⁠​⁠@@bre9328 „They better sat down somewhere“ What’s with the spiteful comment you’re writing regarding African/ Carribean people? Are you okay or maybe bitter that in the past an African didn’t share his/her platain with you? „They better sat down somewhere“ like….how hateful…. There’s a better and more respectful way to bring your comment across regarding your opinion of African/Carribean people appropriating according to you African American culture.

[@adnaloy9025]

Sad but true. It happens to every form of music art we create. Rock N Roll, Jazz, Blues, Country, Hip Hop, House, Club, DJing (that we did in the 70s and 80s, and now is everyone but us), Techno, Disco, etc. Once they have it and they are immersed in it, they will claim to be the creators of it and we will be wiped from every trace of it. We are always inviting everyone to the cookout, only to find ourselves excluded from the cookout after a few years, and raisins in the potato salad!

[@akeria5882]

I’m Black American and couldn’t agree more. So happy you’ve made this video. I been getting mad listening to these remixes

[@TheDolphinflipper]

I've been listening to afrobeats for a couple years now. What I've found is I always skip the remixes. They just aren't as good. They're too American 'pop', which is not why I listen to to the genre. I'm sad I learned about the genre so late, because it is seriously one of my favourites.

[@mayowasworld]

I think there’s still many afrobeats artists who aren’t mainstream that keep their roots it’s just l feel we’re gonna keep seeing more watering down

[@lindamakhoba]

Unavailable remix is one of the most unnecessary collabs of all time, as a South African I was so confused. Especially because Davido is already so universal, the rest I see they did it more for exposure and widening their audience. But Davido ? Such a classic hit has been ruined.

[@Molly-iw1rc]

Sometimes when I hear takes on specifically appropriation from black African people or just black people who weren't raised or are ignorant to the the specific racism that black Americans get hit with, there is confidence in the way it isn't actually a thing. But everyone, all around the world, should be worried that the West will take their culture and use it to make money. Period. I truly don't think anyone is safe, even if you aren't in the U.S. because colonizers gonna colonize. (not referring to only white people as colonizers here, but referring to anyone who is making a trend out of a culture for money, especially when that person is from the West).

[@mayowasworld]

It’s true no one should feel safe from that

[@carrington2949]

I expressed this exact same sentiment in the comment section of a Colors video performance featuring an Afro beats artist. A commenter expressed how much she loved the performance and that she hoped no one tries to steal the sound. The Nigerians in the comment section went nuts telling her that Americans love to exaggerate the racism card. I wrote that I I couldn’t wait for a K-pop group to become the biggest selling Afro beats artists on the planet. I knew it was petty when I wrote it but I got a long way to go on my journey 😂

[@Molly-iw1rc]

@@carrington2949 no but for real though!!! There was a k-pop group a few years back that used African culture (I can't remember the specifics) to make a dance trend, and there were African fans literally saying that it was appreciation despite the group basically explicitly stating that the concept was just "Africa" without any cultural nuance 🙄🙄🙄 I'm glad you mentioned k-pop because k-pop literally already uses black American culture for more than half of their music and video concepts, and lyrics. And as soon as Latin music started getting popular, the k-pop industry was riding the heck outta that, so if afrobeats hits the k-pop scene, the sound will be completely flooded and shallowed out. The k-pop industry is also terrible with informing fans about their music and openly talking about where they get their ideas for music and concepts, so many fans won't even realize that the genre and sound of afrobeats is already a thing I bet🫠 It's pretty sad to watch people deny actual culture vulture activity just because they are afraid of being seen as a victim or they just don't want to listen to people who have already been impacted by the same behavior.

[@blackscreenrelaxation5824]

@@Molly-iw1rc When I heard the song tinnitus by a K-Pop group I was rightfully appalled- it was a soulless attempt at afrobeat. However, the comments were full of Africans praising and defending it as ‘cultural appreciation’. I kept thinking that an African artist would NEVER receive the same support in a K-Pop space. This is a tale as old as time. Let them keep thinking they’re exempt.

[@blackscreenrelaxation5824]

@@carrington2949 But you’re right though. When you look music genres pioneered by the black diaspora, in many of them a person that’s not of the culture and/or ethnicity see the most success. A white Canadian has the best selling reggae song of all time. We already know about Eminem, and let’s not even get started on R&R. It’s happened to EVERYONE else, and if they’re not careful it damn sure will happen to them. But if a Korean is the one to do it, that would be straight comedy.

[@LornAuArcos32]

RIP to NIGERIAN afrobeats. Ghanaian afrobeats is still staying true to the culture! ✊🏿 Stream Tomorrow by Mr. Drew and Kaba by Camidoh

[@udochukwugodwin94]

Keep decieving yourself

[@lastnamedami]

niggas will be in the comments saying “naija to the world🦅”

[@mayowasworld]

LMAOOO

[@eryabolonha]

Rock'n'roll, Country, Jazz, not so known but those Latin American sounds never credit the source which we already know

[@AyaEgbuho]

Mayowa you live in a higher plane. Most people will not even understand what you're saying. It doesn't even bother me anymore. I seek after my people who love being my people! ❤

[@kamnkem]

Girl no you’re scaring me bc I’ve been trying to be in denial since I heard Justin on essence😭 like they’re really hungrily coming to afrobeats to suck it dry like they’ve done to everything else..how do we stop this because I refuse to let them steal something as treasured as afrobeats

[@Adeline-je1so]

Just boycott all the songs and remixes with "uninteresting" artists

[@voice_0f_reason]

Yeah, just listen to the originals. They won't ever grow old

[@oshunthagreat]

I'm African American but this was eye opening about collaborations that I've seen like Selena Gomez I almost felt trained to accept because she is latina but completely disregard erasure. I do feel it's about money but also in America for example they legit need black artist to survive and be somebody. Whiteness is integrated no matter what at least mainstream and they will say we need to be inclusive or we are hateful etc. But they don't want to give credit where it's due wild

[@bre9328]

If this is "eye opening" to you as an "African American" wait until you learn how Africans and Caribbeans are contributing to the erasure of actual black Americans in media, college scholarships, etc.

[@AngelicaEstherxo]

Latinos come in all shades of color and race. Also, the so called Black culture (African culture) is not only an African American thing. The whole Caribbean are African descendants in fact the first land to bring slaves was a LATINO COUNTRY(DOMINICAN REPUBLIC) then Puerto Rico, we've been in the culture way before the US was even the US. ya'll have to stop gatekeeping the African culture for only African Americans cause we've been in in way before ya'll.

[@Lol-fu5dc]

Lmao you can even see the colorism with Selena Gomez. The “Latina” is white as hell and can barely speak Spanish. And then the black girls are mixed girls. This goes deep bruv

[@CourtTV.]

You look indian to me most of us in america are indigenous

[@jujubee6030]

Selena is still white. Even if she has a little Latin in her blood.

[@aviianna]

I love the dedicated fit analysis! My fav part was the blue makeup matching the scarf and OF COURSE the layered necklace

[@mayowasworld]

Yay, thank you!

[@rubix187]

You ain’t never lied Mayowa 👏🏿 Our people cannot be free by selling out for money. Fela Kuti would be so disappointed if he saw what’s happening

[@msdionne.a]

I loved this video - more cross-diaspora collaborations! I loved the color theme - it looks great on you!!!

[@mayowasworld]

Agreed! Thank you!

[@abioni6092]

It’s all about the money. Fela was a political activist as well. Most afrobeats artists are just chasing money. And you don’t hit real money until you go white, unfortunately.

[@mylene_b]

Btw this blue looks amazing on you, the eye make-up reminds me of a butterfly.

[@laviniac.1812]

Such a great video. I was shocked to see selena on Rema's song like what are you doing bro? It's sad to see afrobeats crossing over with yt american artist when there are so many Black diasporic artists they could be linking up with. Like I really liked Ayra's collab with Kelly Rowland.

[@m.b.1702]

Wake up people!! This keeps happening generation after generation!!! Why cant we be strong & stand alone, celebrating our own creativity!!!❤

[@citizencoy4393]

The culture is soooooo watered down! Sometimes it’s our own ppl stepping on other blk ppl and watering it down just so that yts can partake.

[@talisha5863]

Great discussion! Unfortunately, so many of us people of color are happy, willing participants in gentrification🤷🏽‍♀️ Thank GOD influencers like you are calling that crap out👏🏽

[@dorellanarange3614]

People of color 😂🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@nonnieJ94]

Your look is giving Neytiri and I love it. As long as blacks and Africans want to be paid for our culture it’ll keep being gentrified. Culture shouldn’t be for profit .

[@deezpistachionuts]

Your makeup looooook thoooooooo!!!!!! INCREDIBLE.

[@GoGetFree]

Essence did not need a white-mainstream-artist feature (Justin Bieber), neither did any of the other remixes. Similar to anything else in African culture, especially Nigeria, we gag at white features. Why do we feel anointed by white artists (including white-passing and white-adjacent) co-signing tracks that are already fire?

[@mayowasworld]

That part!

[@mayowasworld]

Anointed is a great word to describe that

[@ruliak]

It feels like there's an imperialism aspect too like these african artists aren't valid in the mainstream unless they have a white celebrity co-signing them. Btw your makeup looks sooo gorgeous the color is so vibrant and the scarf together is so stunning!

[@mcsmashhits5355]

And I’m also questioning why Davido did not reach Rihanna to collaborate with her this will make an excellent powerful great collaboration of all times I could imagine I’m surprised that you mentioned that techno music came from Black Americans I was surprised I never knew that he started from the black diaspora techno it’s impressive

[@asmrearthchild3315]

YES QUEEN PREACH!! I’m so proud of u and you inspire me so much with your confidence of speaking ur truth❤️‍🔥🌟🌟✨✨

[@columbsaki]

The Nigerian music industry worships capitalism and knows how to pull sounds from various regions in Africa, water it down and make it palatable to the west. “Unavailable” is a watered down amapiano song. We’re talking about Latto…but the white washing of that song/sound started long ago.

[@AKINICEmusic]

Latto is half-black and half-white.

[@Itzkeisha]

Great topic omg !!! Let me get ready to learn a lil something today 💕💕

[@tonyagibbs1963]

Love the look! The scarf, the makeup -- on point! So is your take on Afrobeat music.

[@emmajeanjumpinbean]

Saw Ed Sheeran on a track and knew it was game over. Then they let lil miss cameltoe in and I grieved for the genre as I knew it and released it to god

[@SelfLove4eva]

It’s so funny you’ve made a vid about the gentrification of Afrobeats music because I was just thinking how Aftobeats has become so mainstream in a short period of time. Sidebar the Ariana Grande part took me out 😂. Before I forget, my fave part of your outfit is the eye makeup, you always slay 🤩.

[@eryabolonha]

I love the look you created, this blue is amazing you look absolutely gorgeous

[@louiej1222]

I'm strictly Old School, listening to music, from the 70's - early 2000's. I can't relate to any of today's music or artists. Pretty much everything in this world is changing for the worst unfortunately. Your entire look is gorgeous Sista 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾....I love cowrie shells and have been wearing them alot lately myself.

[@julisa3100]

I’ve noticed this. But you can’t fake the funk. People will get tired of it as they did with other gentrified things and want something new or “exotic”. It’s not right or wrong but it is what it is. I like that it opens up thoughtful conversation. All I can ask to myself is what’s next?

[@matrixdviper]

As an artist I totally agree, I do different genres but at the same time i try to stick to my African roots cuz most mainstream music of today is trash and these collabs sound forced in my opinion, like where's the authenticity again? Lol, btw the whole look is amazing!💙

[@mayowasworld]

Thank you!

[@ShaunasWorld950]

Wow, you are right! Never thought about that. Afrobeats won’t be the same in about two years. Love your makeup! The aquablue look around the nose area!

[@Rolandeee]

I love this. The video I didn’t know I needed.

[@crystalcastillo7575]

I can’t stand the Calm Down Remix. Selena Gomez is a terrible artist, mediocre as h*ll and people only hype her up because of nostalgia

[@mayowasworld]

Right cause even the vocals aren’t giving

[@crystalcastillo7575]

@@mayowasworld AT ALL

[@Yamkela17]

This! I wondered how she still has a career, no offence but her Disney counterparts are the better artists with talent like Demi and Miley.

[@crystalcastillo7575]

Yes , rap music has been way too over saturated and I’m glad it’s dying (popular music wise) because it means that it’ll return more to an elusive black genre again

[@sarahm6476]

I don’t usually comment…But this really connected with my spirit because I thought I was the only one feeling this way. I would scroll down to the comment section and see other black people praising these terrible remixes. I really agree on the statement that afrobeats is becoming gentrified and starting to be really unauthentic. Afrobeats really made me feel like at least we had a genre of music where we are the target audience in the masses. I see things are changing now unfortunately 😢. Just to add these remixes really changed the vibe of the song. I really cannot enjoy it. Can we please just gatekeep something…we really don’t have to share everything with the western world 😅.

[@milikoshki]

love the whole look, specially the color of the scarf + makeup!!

[@llsss777]

You are making sense with this and you speak the silent truth. You're so right

[@Rosannasfriend]

You know, I’ve been happy that Afrobeats seems to be expanding in North America… But listening to what you’re saying here… Even just your title… you have me really thinking here. I think you’re right, it’s slowly being gentrified. Not even slowly… Quickly! I don’t think we can stop it all together, but we can slow it down ourselves and make sure that if they’re going to collaborate with outsiders, they should be black more often than not. But they should try to keep it mostly within the African artist realm, because it is their/our music.

[@MC_Vixen]

I see the same thing happening to amapiano in the future

[@CrystalAcheing]

Most definitely. I hope Amapiano stays true to its origins before it gets gentrified.

[@Rhawn246]

Mayowa, your channel is amazing. You are so appreciated. I love your blue on you as well.

[@m.b.1702]

THANK YOU 4 SPREADING THE TRUTH!!!!❤❤ 😊

[@Chirimoya08]

Loving the entire look. You remind me of a kick-ass alien, warrior queen. (I'm really into fantasy books right now and I wish my heroines looked like you. Now they will in my head!)

[@LoXena]

It reminds me of the song "Waka waka" why on Earth they choose a Colombian to promote the world Cup in Africa?

[@Yamkela17]

No freakin' idea when we have artists in South Africa. I think she has/had a business partnership with FIFA. Those execs probably preferred her to make official world cup songs? It's too much hey, you kinda get used to it, get tired of ranting.

[@sharonbaker3007]

FELA!!! What a musical genius he was! Worldwide impact! The look is awesome! Blue is my favorite color, so aqua is always good too! The way you underlined the wing and your lower lid with silver? Perfect.💙💙💙

[@user-ne1si6by8n]

This spoke to my soul !!!

[@ha3945]

Maybe if afrobeat artists gatekept better...

[@ChizobaItabor]

You made valid points! Plus The Bloody Samritan Remix by Ayra Starr featuring Kelly Rowland was also really good

[@shalenah]

lol i had no idea these collaborations were taking place but i love the aquaaa color the most and how you tied it together with the same colored scarf and the cowrie beads

[@ftcuonika]

I love this video soooooo much, sending love from Jamaica 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 your makeup is beautiful btw ❤

[@nouramouctar817]

I don’t even listen to music but I 100% agree! This is so sad honestly!

[@Carebare2695]

You always slay your makeup ❤💚

[@mayowasworld]

Thank you!!

[@sandrasentertainment6634]

Thanks for talking about this - I thought I was dripping 🙏🏾

[@ChibuzorMichael-xb8or]

The fact is that we Nigerians don't really need other people or needing collaborations with foreign artists to make to stay on top, the reason we them is to get the attention the region we have collaborations with

[@SharayaMW]

Yes! "Somebody. Somebody. . ." Love Tiwa and Brandy together. Great video! Btw, I watched a video yesterday that talked about a 20-something year old Dutch woman who is dancing on TikTok with children from Tanzania, mostly and whether or not she is appreciating the culture or appropriating it. Lo and behold, her boyfriend is a dark-skinned Tanzanian man 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@JordanMBS222]

I truly adore you and your videos. You make me feel like I’m not alone. When I first heard the Essence feature with JB. I was mad. I had Alexa on shuffle and couldn’t understand why the “remix” would be priority over the OG song. I have so much more I could say …. But really it’s just getting out of hand….

[@loributler127]

Oh my god me too there was no need to ruin the jam with his weak unsoulful voice. I just skip it when it comes to my Spotify playlist.

[@Ultraa_ray]

Love the look Mayowa! The make up is stunning and such a lovely color on you ❤

[@BeautyOutspoken]

I don’t think Afrobeats will die anytime soon but the contrary. As someone also from a small country with its own music ‘Soca’. I’ve seen even in that niche how our artists really pushed for international collage and recognition in order to push the genre forward. Without that push in the same fashion Afrobeats would not be what it is today. African artists are able to enjoy successes larger than their predecessors because of fusion and arguably tour and reach audiences they would never have. It’s a catch 22

[@vanessawestbrook6976]

I agree with you! As a Black American people always try to tell us to gatekeep our culture but once you hit a certain level of visibility that becomes harder to do. Also more things will come both negative and positive. This kinda comes with the territory. What has happened within the BA music culture in terms of the industry is artists started learning the business. Now you see artists choosing to be independent or if they sign with a label it is a partnership that is more of a joint venture. You are also seeing more and more Black music executives heading their own labels. Our artists and executives started learning to get in front of it, so at least if it is going to move between races and cultures that do not reflect ours we are making money off of that. Years ago it was not like that.

[@sacha7440]

You are absolutely right. I’m Jamaican and I’ve always wondered why soca hasn’t gotten its international recognition. However, it is a catch 22 because soca has remained my fave genre due to its authenticity but I do see where the artists could benefit. It is gate kept which is good and bad.

[@enosger]

@@sacha7440you hit the nail on the head, it's such an authentic representation of Caribbean life that no other culture can really adopt it, even Afro/highlife cane was inspired by by soca and calypso there's a documentary where west Africans themselves admit that. Soca will be the last man standing and I love, 🇻🇨we do it best ragga soca for life.

[@thisislenard]

As a genre popularizes it will develop new pockets of sound in different continents and countries. I actually see a future where American artists derive a new genre that will have some influence from Afrobeats (maybe a new interpretation of the drum grooves that could blend with rnb/rap/rock idk?), because there's no way you can authentically recreate Afrobeat music if it's not your community and even american accents/lyrics are completely different too. They can try to gentrify it but it's gonna be fkn terrible, I don't think the loyatly of the afrobeats fans will let that happen 💯

[@LethalLemonLime]

I ADORE this makeup look!!

[@lisalovely7259]

Absolutely, I agree with you 100%. And it needs to stop.

[@rebelhenz]

While I do agree with some of your points. I have been watching your videos for a minute I just don’t comment. I do think in this aspect they are the ones that come to the black artist. And the Nigerian artist are just being smart. It’s given them more exposure specifically. I do think that in general, the whole of the black/African-American community Need to support Afrobeats a bit more. vice versa. But I have faith and I never have that. So this is a good sign. If there’s one music that can stand the test of time is definitely Afrobeats. I just think we need to be more positive in such a already negative society. But I also see where you’re coming from. 🙏🏾

[@bre9328]

Black Americans are not obligated to support Afrobeats. Most black Americans don't listen to it. Why would we support a culture of people who collectively talk ish about black American culture, music, food? Nah, I think black Americans need to sit this one out, and let our cousins in the diaspora stand on their own two feet

[@ceciliecerise]

Gotta keep an eye out for Selena 👀👀