The Globalization of African Music Through Streaming Platforms

Abstract

African music has experienced unprecedented global recognition in recent years, largely driven by the rise of streaming platforms and technological advancements. This study explores the critical role streaming platforms have played in globalizing African music, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by artists. It examines the historical evolution of African music’s influence on global genres, the socioeconomic impacts of streaming on local artists and communities, and the future prospects shaped by emerging technologies and localized platforms. Key challenges, such as the digital divide, revenue inequalities, and cultural misrepresentation, are addressed alongside potential solutions. The paper also analyzes how streaming platforms have fostered cross-cultural collaborations, contributing to the sustained global popularity of African music. The findings underline the importance of infrastructure development, fair revenue models, and cultural preservation for ensuring the long-term growth and success of African music on the global stage.