Osas Aikhomu
Afrobeats artist Young Game has shed light on the hurdles faced by African musicians in the diaspora striving for recognition in the Afrobeats scene, despite their significant role in the genre’s worldwide expansion.
Born Sunday Paul Bassey in Ndi Okpo Ihechiowa, Abia State, Young Game now resides in Italy, where he represents the growing wave of African artists amplifying their heritage from abroad. However, he notes that breaking into the Nigerian-dominated industry remains an uphill battle.
The singer argues that geographical separation from Nigeria’s music hubs creates a critical disadvantage for overseas-based artists. “Afrobeats has gone global, but the industry’s heart still beats in Lagos,” he remarked, emphasizing the lack of access to key networks, media platforms, and live performance slots that artists at home often take for granted.
Young Game revealed that despite pouring resources into high-quality production and marketing, many diaspora musicians struggle to gain traction due to systemic biases. “Talent alone isn’t enough when you’re thousands of miles away from the decision-makers,” he explained.
He also addressed the cultural tightrope walked by artists abroad, who frequently face skepticism about their authenticity. “We’re caught between two worlds—sometimes seen as ‘not African enough’ abroad and ‘too Westernized’ back home,” he shared.
Nevertheless, Young Game emphasized the indispensable role of diaspora artists in Afrobeats’ evolution, citing their ability to fuse global influences and introduce the genre to untapped markets. “We’re cultural ambassadors, blending sounds and breaking barriers in places Afrobeats hasn’t yet reached,” he said.
He concluded with a call for unity, urging the industry to embrace overseas-based talents as equal contributors. “The future of Afrobeats lies in collaboration, not exclusion. Our shared roots should bridge the distance, not divide us,” he asserted.
