Since its inception, Afrobeats has undergone a mind-blowing evolution, morphing from infectious lyrics and fast-paced beats into a tapestry of sub-genres like AfroPop, AfroRock, AfroRnB, and more. This genre's transformation has even left a lasting impact on the OG Afrobeats crooners, propelling them to redefine their musical styles.
Let's take a moment to compare the rise of Plantashun Boiz's 2face and solo 2face. When 2face unleashed his debut album, 'Face 2 Face,' back in 2004, critics hailed it as the greatest Nigerian debut of the 21st century. And guess what? 2face didn't stop there. He continued to push boundaries with timeless hits like 'Ihe Neme' and 'Opo,' paving the way for today's superstars like Patoranking and Dbanj, who have carried Afrobeats beyond the borders of West Africa.
In the last decade, Afrobeats has experienced an explosive global expansion, propelling it to the top of Africa's music genres. In fact, it's not an exaggeration to say that Afrobeats is on the fast track to becoming one of the most listened to genres worldwide.
Just look at the accolades earned by artists like Burna Boy, Tems, and Wizkid, with Grammy nominations in their pockets. Meanwhile, rising stars like Rema, Ckay, and Amarae are dominating international music charts. It's crystal clear: Afrobeats is entering a golden age of triumph and recognition.
With the overwhelming success of Afrobeats superstars, a new wave of artists is now finding their own path to stardom. Take Asake, for example, who is conquering the music stage with one hit after another. And there are those daring souls who experiment with Afrobeats and other genres, conjuring up magical musical potions that captivate listeners' hearts.
Among these rising stars, one name shines brightly: Gabzy.
Gabriel Akinyemi, better known as Gabzy, discovered his musical talents at a tender age, lending his voice to his school choir. However, Gabzy initially dreamed of becoming a professional footballer or a successful entrepreneur. Little did he know that music held a different destiny for him.
It didn't take long for those around Gabzy to recognize his extraordinary gift. Encouraged by their unwavering support, Gabzy spent his formative years crafting his own music, self-taught in the ways of melody and rhythm.
The breakthrough came when Gabzy unveiled his debut EP, 'Summers,' in 2016, collaborating with the brilliant music producer Melvitto. This stunning blend of RnB and Afrobeats not only put Gabzy on the map but also solidified his name within the industry. Though he may not have gone viral, he gained a loyal following of fans who appreciated his distinctive style.
But let's talk numbers, shall we? Tracks like 'Trouble' skyrocketed to No. 17 on the Official Afrobeats Charts, while the enchanting 'As Friends' made its debut at an impressive No. 12. Gabzy is far from unknown in the industry, having spent a remarkable 13 weeks on the Afrobeats Chart with 'As Friends,' and its music video has garnered over 1 million views on YouTube.
When we dive into the Spotify data, we see that Gabzy boasts nearly 2 million monthly listeners. And let's not forget about those jaw-dropping playtime numbers, ranging from 10 million streams for his captivating collaboration 'Close to Me' featuring Krisirie, to a staggering 40 million streams for the soul-stirring gem 'Stay,' once again showcasing his chemistry with Melvitto.
Notably, Gabzy's global streaming presence is solid, with tracks amassing anywhere from 255 thousand streams on lesser-known releases to a breathtaking 44 million streams for hits like 'Summers.'
Since his debut EP, Gabzy has cemented his name through collaborations with renowned artists like BOJ, Gyptian, and Ayo Jay. In 2020 and 2022, he blessed us with two more remarkable EPs: 'Malone' and 'At The End of the Night,' respectively.
Following the resounding success of 'At the End of the Night,' Gabzy embarked on a Europe tour that witnessed his first headline show selling out in a matter of seconds. Now, after a brief hiatus, Gabzy has returned to the music scene with his latest release, 'Jambazz.' It's been just ten days since its release, and although the song might not have charted yet, it boasts an infectious fusion of RnB, Soul, and Afrobeats, leaving us with no doubt about its potential to captivate audiences.
Despite being primarily recognized as an Afro-RnB artist, Gabzy refuses to be confined to a single box. His music transcends boundaries, defying categorization and embracing a boundless artistic spirit.
It's a wonder how Gabzy hasn't attained superstar status until now. With his compelling lyrics, infectious beats, and impressive numbers, it's evident that he possesses an extraordinary talent destined to break through on an international scale. The world awaits the inevitable rise of Gabzy, and when that moment comes, it will be a celebration of pure musical genius.