Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has dismissed claims that Afrobeats is losing momentum, insisting that the genre remains one of the fastest-growing and most influential sounds in the world today.
Her statement comes amid ongoing debates stirred by prominent music executives, including Paul Okoye (Paulo) and DJ Big N, who have publicly expressed concerns that Afrobeats is experiencing its lowest point in two decades.
The executives pointed to a perceived drop in international chart performance and reduced streaming numbers as signs of a slowdown.
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However, speaking at the Unstoppable Africans event, Tiwa Savage passionately refuted those claims, stressing that Afrobeats is “unstoppable” and continues to break new ground globally. According to her, the genre’s growth, influence, and cultural reach prove that it is stronger than ever.
“Afrobeats is the fastest-growing genre in the world,” Savage declared. “We kind of created it with nothing, no support, no infrastructure, no real belief even from our own people initially. But look at us now. We’ve taken the sound to every corner of the world.”
The award-winning singer, who has played a pivotal role in pushing African music to global stages, reflected on how far the genre has come despite minimal institutional backing.
She noted that while some critics measure success only through streaming or sales data, the true impact of Afrobeats lies in its cultural and emotional influence across continents.
“People are dancing to our music in countries that can’t even speak our language,” she added. “That’s power. That’s growth. Afrobeats isn’t just about numbers, it’s about the story it tells, the pride it gives us, and the connection it builds among Africans everywhere.”
Tiwa Savage also shared a personal reflection on how the rise of Afrobeats has changed perceptions of African identity.
Growing up in London, she admitted feeling uncomfortable about her African roots due to stereotypes and lack of representation.
However, she said the global success of Afrobeats has helped redefine what it means to be African, making her, and many others proud of their heritage.
“I remember growing up in London and I was not happy being African,” she said. “But now I’m so proud because of how big Afrobeats is growing. The genre has changed how the world sees Africa.”
From sold-out concerts in Europe and America to collaborations with global superstars, Afrobeats continues to shape pop culture and inspire new generations of artists.
As debates around the state of the genre continue, Tiwa Savage’s confidence reflects the optimism shared by many within the African music community. To her, Afrobeats is not in decline but in evolution, a sound that keeps reinventing itself while staying true to its roots.
With stars like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Asake, and Rema dominating charts and touring globally, Tiwa Savage insists that Afrobeats is not slowing down anytime soon. “Afrobeats is unstoppable,” she concluded. “We started from nothing, and now the world is listening.”
