The Official Charts is launching its first ever afrobeats chart this week.
This Sunday (July 36), a special launch show for the chart will be held on BBC Radio 1Xtra, with the weekly Top 20 chart being revealed every following Sunday at 2pm.
The chart will be based on sales and streaming data from over 9,000 outlets, using audio and video streams as well as downloads and physical sales.
The chart is described as a landmark moment for a genre whose growing influence on popular music culture is exploding across the globe – driven by a growing community of independent and major label artists.
Speaking of the new chart, Kofi ‘Funkz’ Kyei of MOVES Recordings – part of the team that created the new chart – said: “It has been amazing to witness over the past decade the sheer growth in African music being welcomed by the UK and the international market. A scene that defines a culture, a people and countless generations, its music has soundtracked underground culture for years, being the go-to sound in clubs, parties and communities in a way that’s shaped our very culture.
“For too long, Afrobeats artists have had to work tirelessly to get their voices heard and now African music/Afrobeats is finally being seen as a leading sound that global superstars turn to on a regular basis.
“The Official UK Afrobeats Chart will help open up the culture to new audiences, giving emerging artists the opportunity to be heard whilst celebrating the sound of a continent that has gone global. Its importance can’t be measured and I look forward to celebrating the biggest and best tracks each and every week!”
The launch of the UK Afrobeats Chart has been accompanied by a list of the top 20 afrobeats artists from the past 12 months and includes Burna Boy, J Hus and more.
Click here for more information on the new Afrobeats Chart.