There’s no denying it, East African music is packed with soul, and unique cultural flavors that could electrify any global stage. But, there is a but: That hasn’t quite happened yet.

West African Afrobeats is blowing up speakers from Lagos to Los Angeles, and South African Amapiano is sparking dance crazes worldwide. But East African sounds are still waiting for their turn in the global spotlight. So, what’s the missing ingredient?

It’s time for a reality check—and an opportunity to rewrite this story.

Learning from the Stars

Think about the Nigerian A-listers. They didn’t just wake up famous—they worked on making their music universal. Their lyrics might be in Pidgin or Yoruba, but their sound? It’s magnetic, blending African roots with global influences.

Same for South African artists. Amapiano didn’t just stay in Pretoria; it got remixed, rebranded, and shipped off to Tokyo, New York, and everywhere in between.

East Africa has every reason to join this parade. Uganda has an insane party culture—seriously, Kampala doesn’t sleep—and Kenyan artists are exploring creative synergies with tech and media. But for some reason, the music hasn’t “crossed the border”.

The Struggle with Global Reach

Look around—how many East African artists are headlining international festivals? Probably not as many as you'd hope.

Sure, names like Jose Chameleone still pop up, but most people outside the region might struggle to name others. That’s not because the talent isn’t there; it’s because the stories are boxed in. The sounds, though addictive to locals, don’t always translate across markets.

And to be honest, part of the challenge is that the region is stuck playing solo. West Africa won the global music lottery because their artists teamed up. From Burna Boy featuring Jorja Smith to Wizkid’s hit with Justin Bieber, collaboration gave them wings. Isn’t it time East Africa jumped on that bandwagon?

A Blueprint for Success

East African artists need to embrace two things—collaboration and storytelling. Imagine the magic if Kenyan and Ugandan musicians combined their cultural strengths. Take Uganda’s pulsing nightlife vibes and pair them with Kenya’s structured, tech-savvy industry. Boom! You’ve got music that hits both the dance floor and the world’s playlists.

And then there’s storytelling. Every hit has a story—whether it’s heartbreak, rebellion, or joy. The East African sound has a rich narrative waiting to be told. The challenge is the ability to turn those local stories into global conversations. You want someone in London or Mumbai vibing to your music and connecting with your story like it’s their own.

The Time Is Now!

East Africa doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Just refine it. Create beats that feel global but still have that East African kick. Work together, from Burundi to Rwanda to Tanzania, and build a sound that screams, “We’re here!”

So, to every artist, producer, and dreamer in East Africa, the time is now! The world is already looking at Africa, waiting for its next wave of stars. Give them something unforgettable. Step into the studio, reach across borders, and make East Africa the next global powerhouse in music.

If you are a music and tech person, this should interest you. So, mark your calendar! From February 18th to 22nd, 2025, the Mall Westlands in Nairobi, Kenya, becomes the ultimate playground for creators at the second edition of East Africa’s Music Tech and Innovation Summit, Kilele. This is an event where tradition dances with technology to create the sound of the future.

Imagine five days filled with hands-on workshops, electrifying talks, live showcases, and exclusive panels—all designed to unlock your creative potential. Whether you’re an artist, a tech guru, or just someone passionate about the intersection of sound and innovation, Kilele has something just for you.

Innovation That Feels Personal

This year’s summit dives deep into three exciting themes: Music and Ecology, Decolonising Instrument Design, and Building Communities through Sound. This means you have a rare opportunity to learn music—not just in its art form, but also as a tool for change and connection.

One of the coolest highlights is the Instrument Makers Lab. It’s a five-day, mind-blowing workshop where traditional crafts meet cutting-edge tech. Think kalimbas, nyatitis, and xylophones reimagined with the help of world-class coders and creators from global music giants like Ableton and Elektron.

That means you’ll learn how to make instruments. But not just that, you’ll also be part of a revolution in music innovation. And the best part: you’ll get to see the magic unfold in a live showcase.

Learn from the Legends of Music Tech

Imagine rubbing shoulders with creators from legendary tech firms:

• Ableton for those groovy Live sessions

• Image Line, the geniuses behind FL Studio

• Elektron, redefining what drum machines can do

• And many more—like Focusrite, ADAM Audio, and Orchestral Tools!

Want to go beyond tech? Kilele’s lineup also includes free DJ workshops (yes, free!) in collaboration with AlphaTheta (formerly Pioneer DJ). Not a DJ yet? No problem. You’ll also find expert panels covering how to grow as an independent artist, find your voice, and discover what’s next in music creation.

Your Backstage Pass to Innovation

If you’re ready to connect, create, and collaborate, now’s the time to act. Grab your ticket on Mookh today—don’t wait, because this summit is as exclusive as it gets.

Follow Kilele on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and the full lineup reveal. This is more than just an event. This is where you unlock the future of music tech.

Think back to the early 2000s. Music videos were simpler—glitzy, yes, but straightforward.

A cool location, a camera crew, and maybe a few dancers. That was all it took to turn your favorite song into a visual hit. But today? The story has drastically changed.

Timaya, the legendary "Dem Mama" hitmaker, says it loud and clear: “Producing a video now? Be ready to spend up to ₦100 million.”

Wait—₦100 million? For one music video? Well, it is what it is.

And this isn’t just about inflation or spike in living costs. It’s something deeper—a full-blown evolution in how music videos are made and what fans demand.

Bigger Budgets, Bigger Expectations

Back in the day, spending ₦1.5 million on a music video was pretty much the gold standard. But these days, the audience's craving has hit the roof. Beyond your music, they want a cinematic masterpiece. Think Hollywood-grade editing, exotic sets, cutting-edge technology, and costumes that scream luxury.

It’s a competitive game. If your video doesn’t ooze quality, someone else’s will, and that’s who’ll dominate your fans’ playlists. For Nigerian artists on the global stage, the bar is sky-high.

What’s Driving the Price Tag?

Let’s call it a perfect storm of factors. First, there’s technology. Drones, 4K cameras, visual effects—it’s all part of the package now.

And those things don’t come cheap. Add to that the cost of renting jaw-dropping locations, hiring top-notch directors, and making sure every second of footage feels like magic.

Oh, and let’s not forget promotion—because what good is an amazing video if nobody sees it?

Promoting a single track across radio, social media, streaming platforms, and influencer pages can add millions to the budget. Suddenly, that ₦100 million price tag starts to make sense.

Artists Are Feeling the Heat

For those who have been in the game for decades are still here, they testify this isn’t just about vanity projects. It’s survival.

Artists are now spending so much to create and promote their craft that their performance fees have to rise too. When you hear some of these young stars charge ₦30 million for a show, it’s not greed. It’s the only way they can stay afloat.

And it’s not just about the glamour. As Timaya himself admits, today’s artists are grappling with the same economic challenges everyone else is facing. Salaries, family obligations, and the sheer cost of staying in business weigh heavily on them.

So, What’s Next for Nigerian Music Videos?

Despite the hefty costs, it’s clear that Nigerian artistes are raising the bar for the global music scene.

They’ve embraced the fact that music videos aren’t just an add-on to the song. They’re part of the story, part of the magic that connects fans to the music.

It’s a tall order, sure—but for the next generation of Nigerian talent such as Skelvin, Neyo stoner, Mascara vibez and a host of others, it's all about evolving, creating, and staying ahead of the curve.

In the end, the big budgets are proof of the industry’s transformation. The question is: Are the audience ready to appreciate what goes into the craft, or just there for the visuals?

Music has always been a potent tool for putting a country on the map. When you hear Reggae, you think of Jamaica. When Afrobeats hits your ears, Nigeria instantly comes to mind.

But the big question is, When someone listens to music from Ghana, can they recognize it as ours?

Right now, the honest answer is…not really. And that’s a problem.

Now before you voice that objection you’re nursing, we’re not talking about listeners from Nigeria and neighbouring countries who have had close ties with Ghana for Decades. That’s close to home obviously.

But imagine someone in New York, Tokyo, or Berlin hitting play on a song, instantly nodding their head, and saying, “Oh, that’s Ghana!”

That’s the kind of identity Ghana should be building for its music.

What’s Missing?

You know how a dish tastes better with just the right spice? Well, music is the same way.

Ghana’s music has plenty of flavors, but it hasn't quite figured out its secret ingredient—the one that screams “This is Ghana!”

There’s Highlife, Hiplife, and a mix of everything else, but without a consistent sound, it still feels like a playlist on shuffle: good, but hard to pin down.

A Global Stage is Waiting

The exciting fact is that the world is craving something fresh. Audiences everywhere are hungry for music that feels new but authentic, something rooted in culture, yet relatable to them.

If building a signature sound becomes a focal point, the world will get exactly what it needs from Ghana.

And it is not just good for Ghana’s artists; it glorifies the entire nation. Think about Burna Boy’s impact on Nigeria. Or how Bob Marley became a cultural icon for Jamaica. The sound of Ghana could do the same for Ghana, elevating not only its artists but the image of the country itself.

Who Will Lead the Charge?

It takes a village. Artistes, producers, managers, and even us as fans all have a role to play. Let’s start by handpicking a small group of top-tier talents to shape and showcase this sound to the world.

The focus here is on the young ones with a lot of energy and promise. Think Addi Self and PBee… and of course a host of others in their generation.

Think of them as Ghana’s musical ambassadors, leading the charge as we redefine what it means to make “Ghana music.”

Let’s Make Ghana Heard

This is about pride and legacy. It’s about hearing a beat, a riff, a melody, and immediately feeling like you belong, no matter where in the world you are.

The global stage is set, and the spotlight’s on the Gateway to Africa! All that is needed now is the sound. And when it comes, the world will know exactly where it’s from.

Because when Ghana speaks through music, everyone should be able to hear it.

Remember when music gave you goosebumps? When it felt like artists were pouring their souls into every lyric and chord?

Well, Pheelz, the legendary Nigerian music producer, is starting to feel like those days might be slipping away—and honestly, he’s got a point.

In a heartfelt chat with media personality Ehiz on The Dada Boy Show, Pheelz opened up about something that’s been bugging him lately. According to him, the magic of creating music is getting lost, replaced by something more... mechanical. Like factories cranking out soaps or tech companies manufacturing phones.

“It’s starting to feel repetitive,” he shared. “Like we’re losing our creative sauce and our essence. Now, making the music feels like just another chore. The focus has shifted to the promo, not the art.”

He’s not wrong. Look around the industry today. Sure, there’s a ton of talent, but there’s also an overwhelming push for hype and numbers. Pheelz explained it best: “If your music isn’t getting the right marketing budget or clout, it doesn’t matter how good it sounds. It won’t ‘blow.’ And that’s heartbreaking.”

Ouch, right?

Good Music vs. Viral Marketing

The way music gets to us has changed. Gone are the days when you’d buy a CD and live with every track for weeks. These days, TikTok trends, viral dance challenges, and big-budget campaigns decide what we hear, not necessarily what’s good. But as Pheelz reminds us, trends come and go—only great music stands the test of time.

It makes you wonder: Are we raising a generation of musicians who are chasing algorithms instead of crafting timeless art? What happens to music when the drive for fame and wealth takes the wheel?

The Art (and Heart) of Music Still Matters

This is not to dismiss promotion. Heck, it does matter. But it’s high time we got our priorities straight.

Think about the songs we keep going back to, the albums we call classics. They weren’t just hot because they trended for a month—they hit differently because they were authentic. They were crafted with love, sweat, and raw talent.

So, here’s the big question for the industry: Will music continue to be about originality and passion, or will it drown in the noise of marketing?

For Pheelz, the answer is clear—it’s time for musicians to reclaim their art. After all, there’s no algorithm strong enough to beat good music that touches the soul.

What about you? Are you here for the hype or the heart?