Harvard Report Warns of Income Loss Threatening Future of Afrobeats

A recent Harvard report from the Center for African Economic and Societal Studies highlights the concerning trend of income loss jeopardizing the future of Afrobeats, a dominant force in global music. Despite Nigerian artists' success in the global music scene, they receive only a small fraction of the wealth generated.

The report points to structural issues such as low royalties in Africa, limited bargaining power, and lack of control over data and royalties. Major global labels like Universal, Sony, and Warner, along with digital platforms like Spotify and YouTube, hold significant leverage, disadvantaging African artists.

The report underscores the need for policy safeguards to prevent exploitation and ensure fair compensation for African creators.