By Nigeria’s Pop Act, Wizkid, Makes The Economist’s Top Acts World Is Listening To List
Nigeria’s music afromusic sensation, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun “Wizkid” has added another feather to his global posturing as London based elite news magazine, The Economist, listed him amongst top artists the world is listening to at the moment.
In a list cutting across different countries , The Economist described Wizkid’s style of Afrobeat ad commanding global following.
“Wizkid, who with his Nigerian twist on commercial pop, known as Afrobeats in deference to his forebears, commands a global following. On a recent single “Come Closer”, dance-hall rhythms underpin vocals from both Wizkid and Drake, a Canadian rapper who invited Wizkid to rap last year on his song “One Dance”, the biggest hit of 2016, “ the Magazine wrote.
Commenting on Wiz’s expected debut album with Sony, the magazine said “record executives are giddy at the commercial prospects of more cultural cross-pollination, “ that would occur once the album hits the airwaves.
Also listed are Wuilly Arteaga from Venezuela, who became a symbol of resistance following the death of a protester in May ot Armando Cañizales.
Name also is the Acrush, a boyband made up of girls in China trying to redefine gender norms.
Teddy Afro is the most popular singer in Ethiopia’s history; his recent fifth album, “Ethiopia”, smashed almost every national record, BlackBox Nigeria gathered. Teddy’s outspoken lyrics landed him in prison in 2005 as the Ethiopia authorities see him as a rallying point for youths.
Oumou Sangaré has captivated Mali, and the world, with her soaring voice for almost 30 years singing to different ills in the society.
Sai Sai Kham Hlaing from Myanmar completes the list of artist. His earnest hit “Will You Marry Me” sees him rapping his proposal to his girlfriend in a field of flowers over an acoustic guitar. Sai Sai might not be winning any rap battles any time soon, but in Myanmar he doesn’t need to.
