The magnetic Afrobeats sound has made western Africa one of the hottest music regions in the world. But for some artists like Queendalyne, getting that big break is not easy.
The negative attitude toward aspiring acts spurred the Nigerian singer to write and record Prayer, a recently released song.
Produced by Tuffgig Music Empire, it is driven by a new sound called Afro-roots reggae, a marriage of Nigerian and Jamaican sounds.
“Prayer was inspired by my true life experience in the music industry. I may not fully describe or narrate generally as it affects every up-and-coming artist, but the challenges are enormous,” she said. “However, I can only speak on most general challenges experienced by most up-and-coming artists in Nigeria, where I come from. So you know, it’s so hard to break through in the industry as most opportunities for the upcoming (acts) are quite rare and it could really take luck for one to break in.”
From Igbos in southeastern Nigeria, Queendalyne has been recording for the past six years. She describes her time in the music business as a hustle trying to get her message of empowerment across.
The uptempo Prayer hears her expressing that message to an exciting new beat. “Afro-roots reggae is a fresh musical genre from us. Basically, we decided to create that niche with the rich and evergreen reggae beat whilst going back to the root of our native Motherland dialect of Nigeria. It’s an original musical genre creation from me and my family at Tuffgig Music Empire,” Queendalyne explained.
Nigeria has produced several hot Afrobeats artists in recent years including Burna Boy. In Ghana, that beat’s top exponent are Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy who have collaborated with top pop and dancehall acts.
Queendalyne’s biggest influences are Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.
You must log in to post a comment.