Sun Jul 06 03:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:
**Afrobeats: A Visual Journey from Backstage to Global Domination**
**NEW YORK** – From humble beginnings in West African clubs to sold-out stadiums across the globe, Afrobeats has exploded onto the international music scene. Now, a new photo book, “Eagle Eye,” by photographer Oliver Akinfeleye, known as Drummer, documents this remarkable rise, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective.
Drummer, a New Yorker of Nigerian descent, has been capturing the evolution of Afrobeats since 2017, gaining exclusive access to leading artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. His photographs showcase not just the electrifying stage presence of these stars, but also the quieter, more reflective moments offstage.
“I remember my first project with Wizkid… The feeling was exhilarating,” Drummer told the BBC, reflecting on his early days documenting the genre’s growth.
Afrobeats’ roots lie deep within West African musical traditions, blending Highlife from Ghana with Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat (without the “s”) and a fusion of Western pop, rap, and dancehall. Fueled by the diaspora communities in the UK and North America, the genre saw a staggering 550% increase in streams on Spotify between 2017 and 2022.
This surge in popularity has propelled Afrobeats artists to global stardom, with packed concerts at venues like Madison Square Garden. Drummer captured Wizkid’s performance at the iconic venue in 2023, recalling, “Madison Square was a night to remember – the iconic venue illuminated in the colors of the Nigerian flag honoring our homeland.”
“Eagle Eye” aims to immerse viewers in the Afrobeats experience, capturing the energy and excitement surrounding the genre. Drummer hopes to not only show what he saw but also help people feel what he experienced through his pictures. The book also captures the quiet moments of reflection for the artists in private.
The impact of Afrobeats is undeniable, with even non-African artists, like Chris Brown, embracing the sound. The genre’s success has also led to increased recognition at mainstream award ceremonies, solidifying its place as a major force in the global music industry.
First Piper 