Nigerian Afrobeats singer Young Game has drawn attention to the challenges faced by African diaspora artists striving for recognition within the Afrobeats industry, despite their growing role in the genre’s global rise.
Young Game, born Sunday Paul Bassey and originally from Ndi Okpo Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, is currently based in Italy. He represents a new wave of African creatives in the diaspora who actively promote their culture beyond the continent but often struggle to gain the same level of visibility as artists operating from Nigeria.
According to the singer, physical distance from Nigeria’s music ecosystem remains a significant obstacle. He noted that while Afrobeats has achieved global reach, access to industry structures remains largely centred within Nigeria.
“Afrobeats is global now, but access is still very local,” Young Game said, explaining that artists abroad often lack key industry advantages such as media exposure, radio airplay, performance opportunities, and influential connections.
He further stated that many diaspora musicians invest heavily in music production, promotion, and distribution, yet their work is frequently overlooked due to industry gatekeeping and location bias. According to him, talent and consistency alone are often not enough without proximity to the core music industry.
Young Game also addressed the identity challenges faced by African artists abroad, noting that they are sometimes perceived as too foreign for the local Nigerian market while simultaneously being viewed as insufficiently African by international audiences.
Despite these difficulties, the singer emphasised that diaspora artists play a crucial role in Afrobeats’ global expansion. He explained that their exposure to diverse cultures helps drive innovation and introduces the genre to new audiences across Europe, America, and other regions.
Calling for greater inclusion, Young Game urged industry stakeholders to recognise diaspora creatives as an essential part of Afrobeats culture. He stressed that the genre thrives best through unity, adding that artists abroad should be embraced as contributors rather than treated as outsiders.
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