The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Billionaire Mafia Records, a record label that operates both in Nigeria and the United States of America, Prince Idowu Adegbite Tella has averred that Afrobeats is a Nigerian home-brew genre of music that can never die like some genres of music that preceded it.
“ I think Afrobeat is here to stay. It will keep evolving and we will see different styles and different tunes throughout the coming years,” he said.
Afrobeat has secured it’s place as an item on the world’s menu of music. But since nothing truly lasts forever concerns have been expressed in different quarters as to the future of the genre.
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However, the Billionaire Mafia Records’ boss is full of optimism concerning the genre and future of African music at large.
“Based on music history and what happens in American pop culture, most things have their moment. It’s what we refer to as an era, or something had its “15-seconds of fame”. Nothing lasts forever in its original form, and it shouldn’t. Human life is ever-evolving, and it would be a pity if it did. Afrobeats will always be synonymous with Nigeria. Afrobeat cannot die in its true form, it can only evolve,” he said.
Despite the high demand for Afrobeats, and as an industry expert who has worked with many artists and with his experience in promoting shows, Tella offered some sage advice about the spotlight that’s shining on Afrobeats and how artistes can maximise the incoming attention.
“I think all African artists should understand that they are in demand now, so they have leverage. It is a business, and everyone isn’t as kind as you are. Some people are looking to get ahead or misuse you if you’ll let them. Don’t take the first opportunity that comes your way but if that first opportunity is the one you’ve been dreaming of as an artist, do your best to negotiate the best deals with an attorney, a lawyer or legal aide,” he noted.
Tella founded Billionaire Mafia Records with a vision to become international record label like Sony, ROC Nation and co in the United States.
“What we need is the government to support and establish many platforms for proper exportation of Afrobeat to the world. Afrobeat is gaining popularity in the whole world right now and with that, international collaboration will come at ease,” he added.
Tella is a serial entrepreneur who runs other companies in the United States of America. He works for the University of Georgia as the International Student Recruiting Officer as well.
He holds both Bachelor’s degree and Masters degree in Business Administration from University of Georgia.
