Many hope to further extend its reach.
Yet, as African artisans connect and build upon one anothers successes, theyve come to center themselves.
She was in the middle of a press tour for her latest film,The Wild Robot.
Courtesy of Epic Records; Christian Cody
Rich with deep musicality and intention, the record is calledOxlade From Africa.
In many ways, it is not one thing or one place; it does not have one perspective.
Nyongo also had this front of mind in the making of her podcast.
I think that when we hear from Africa, its usually these hot-button issues.
Atta-Owusu tells the man he was a drummer, though he had actually never touched a drum set before.
She was going to send a message that her African accent had value, too.
Yet, the Kenyan accent as she knew it was gone.
This globalization is something people like journalist Joey Akan have expressed trepidation around.
And even now, Lagos has been reduced to a city of sauce and hype.
Forever mine, seldom the location of any major infrastructural investment.
We dont own our music.
Our art isnt published and marketed from Nigerian offices.
And our contracts dont have a drop of local in them.
We sold our culture for money.
I am so happy to have access to African music from where I sit, she told me.
I have sung in languages I dont understand all my life.
Suddenly, its not exotic.
You dont have to go to the ethnic aisle to get it.
Its right there front and center.
At the end of the day, the industry is dictated by the West.
I think its important to acknowledge that, but not to pander to it.
This is how shes approachedMind Your Own, which she thinks of like dinner-party conversations between Africans and others.
I know I want to have confidence in the fact that I trust my intentions.
My agenda is primarily to speak to and serve the African diaspora.
But I dont want to change my food just so you buy it.
While protesting police brutality, OjahBee suffered a brain injury that Oxladeblamedon Nigerian police.
Oxlade From Africadoes establish the singer as uniquely promising.
He sings romantically about his confidence and purpose, pointing lovestruck ballads toward himself.
[This] a love song, and it just is so beautiful.
