Nigerian Afrobeats singer Young Game has spoken out about the often-overlooked challenges facing African diaspora artists seeking recognition within the Afrobeats industry, despite their growing role in the genre’s global rise.
Born Sunday Paul Bassey, Young Game hails from Ndi Okpo Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State and is currently based in Italy. He represents a new wave of African creatives abroad who actively promote African culture on global stages but continue to face barriers to visibility and acceptance within the Nigerian music industry.
According to the singer, physical distance from Nigeria’s music ecosystem remains a major disadvantage. “Afrobeats is global now, but access is still very local,” he said, explaining that artists outside the country often lack crucial industry connections, media exposure, radio support, and live performance opportunities needed to break through.
Young Game noted that many diaspora musicians invest heavily in music production, promotion, and distribution, yet their efforts are frequently overlooked due to industry gatekeeping and location bias. “You can have the sound, the story, and the consistency, but without proximity to the industry, it’s easy to be ignored,” he stated.
He also highlighted the identity struggle faced by African artists abroad, who are sometimes seen as “too foreign” for the local market and “not African enough” for international audiences. “We are constantly trying to prove our authenticity, even though our roots are unquestionable,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Young Game emphasized that diaspora artists remain essential to Afrobeats’ continued global expansion. He explained that their exposure to diverse cultures allows for innovation and helps introduce the genre to new audiences worldwide. “Many of us are building Afrobeats quietly in Europe, America, and beyond—performing, promoting, and planting seeds that later grow into global movements,” he added.
Calling for greater inclusion and collaboration, the singer urged industry stakeholders to recognize diaspora creatives as an integral part of the culture. “Afrobeats is strongest when it is unified. Diaspora artists should not be treated as outsiders, but as extensions of the culture,” he concluded.
0 Comments