Wizkid, Burna Boy & Davido: Rare Photos of Their Rise to Fame

Here’s a summary of the provided text about the rise of Afrobeats music:

Drummer’s Perspective: A photographer known as Drummer,has documented the rise of Afrobeats music and has released a book of photographs called “Eagle Eye”,showcasing the genre’s journey from it’s early stages to its current global presence.

Roots in West African Music: Afrobeats is rooted in various West African musical genres, particularly those that gained popularity after independence in the decades that followed independence as the continent began celebrating its freedom from colonial rule. Highlife, a genre synonymous with Ghana’s national identity as its independence in 1957, heavily influenced Nigerian musician fela Kuti. Kuti’s Afrobeat (without the “s”), blending traditional rhythms with funk and jazz, defined the sound of West Africa in the 1970s and 1980s.

Evolution and Influences: Afrobeats emerged around the turn of the millennium, mixing this rich heritage with Western pop, rap, and dancehall.

Diaspora and Growth: The genre gained popularity in the UK and North America, particularly within Nigerian diaspora communities.

streaming Boom: Afrobeats experienced notable growth in streams on Spotify between 2017 and 2022, with a 550% increase.

mainstream Recognition: This growth led to Afrobeats artists becoming globally recognized, performing at major venues like Madison Square Garden, and being recognized in mainstream award ceremonies like the Grammys.

* drummer’s Role: drummer captured photographs of thes musicians early in their careers, documenting their conversion and the growing international fanbase of afrobeats. the audience grew more international,with fans in countries such as China,Germany and Brazil.

How did Wizkid‘s early collaborations with Banky W shape his career?

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Wizkid’s early days: From Lagos Streets to Global Stages

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known globally as Wizkid, didn’t emerge overnight. His journey began in Ojuelegba, Lagos, Nigeria, deeply rooted in the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats. Early photos from this period are scarce, making them incredibly valuable glimpses into his formative years. Before the hit songs like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Ojuelegba” propelled him to stardom, Wizkid honed his craft in church choirs and local talent shows. These early experiences were crucial in developing his unique vocal style and stage presence. His initial collaborations with artists like Banky W were pivotal, providing a platform and mentorship that shaped his career. The Starboy entertainment label, founded by Wizkid, further cemented his independence and creative control.

Rare Photos & Key Moments (Wizkid)

• 2009: Early studio sessions with Banky W – showcasing a young Wizkid’s raw talent.
• 2011: Performance at the Felabration festival – a notable breakthrough moment.
• 2012: Behind-the-scenes shots from the “Superstar” album recording – revealing the creative process.

Burna Boy’s Evolution: From Underground to Afrofusion Pioneer

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, now known as Burna Boy, initially faced challenges breaking into the mainstream. His early music, while innovative, didn’t promptly resonate with a wide audience. Though, his persistence and unique sound – a blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, and reggae, now termed Afrofusion – eventually captivated listeners. Rare photos from this period show a determined artist relentlessly pursuing his vision. His 2012 single “Like to Party” marked a turning point, gaining significant airplay and establishing his presence in the Nigerian music scene. The album Outside (2018) was a critical and commercial success, launching him onto the international stage. His grammy award win for “Twice as Tall” in 2021 solidified his status as a global music icon.

Burna Boy: Early career Timeline

Year	Key Event	Significance
2012	Release of “Like to party”	First major breakthrough single
2018	Album “Outside” Release	International recognition begins
2021	Grammy Award for “Twice as Tall”	Global superstar status achieved

Davido’s Ascent: From Atlanta to Afrobeats Royalty