Nigerian Afrobeats singer , SUNDAY BASSEY, popularly known as YOUNG GAME has drawn attention to the often-overlooked challenges faced by African diaspora artists seeking recognition within the Afrobeats industry, despite their growing contributions to the genre’s global success.
The singer who is currently based in Italy, represents a new generation of African creatives in the diaspora who actively promote their culture beyond the continent but struggle to attain the same level of visibility as artists operating from Nigeria.
According to YOUNG GAME, physical distance from Nigeria’s music ecosystem remains a significant disadvantage, noting that many artists abroad invest heavily in music production, promotion, and distribution, yet their efforts are frequently undermined by industry gatekeeping and location bias.
Despite these hurdles, the singer stressed that diaspora artists play a critical role in Afrobeats’ global expansion, as exposure to diverse cultures and audiences, encourages innovation and helps introduce the genre to new markets.
He called for greater collaboration and inclusivity, urging industry stakeholders to recognize diaspora creatives as an essential part of the Afrobeats ecosystem.