Rare Photographs Chronicle the Global Rise of Afrobeats
Afrobeats has emerged as one of the most influential genres in global music, captivating fans from Lagos to London, New York to Tokyo. Now, a newly released photo book is offering a rare glimpse into the genre’s meteoric rise – both on stage and behind the scenes.
Photographer Oliver Akinfeleye, known professionally as Drummer, has been documenting the journey since 2017. A New Yorker of Nigerian heritage, Drummer gained early backstage access to some of the biggest names in Afrobeats, including Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, capturing intimate and electric moments alike.
His new photo collection, Eagle Eye, tells the story of how Afrobeats evolved from its modest roots to become one of Africa’s most powerful cultural exports. From the bustling streets of Washington, DC, where he first worked with Wizkid in 2017, to sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, the book traces the genre’s international takeover.
“That first night with Wizkid at Echostage was unforgettable,” Drummer recalled. “I was there to tell the visual story of something that was clearly about to explode.”
Afrobeats, which draws from West African genres like highlife and fuji, as well as influences from hip-hop, dancehall, and R&B, has grown rapidly over the last decade. Between 2017 and 2022, Spotify reported a 550% increase in global streams of Afrobeats music. The genre’s growing popularity has not only earned its artists spots at major global festivals, but also recognition at international award shows, including the Grammys.
Drummer’s lens has followed the movement closely, capturing the energy of landmark performances, such as Wizkid’s historic show at The O2 Arena in London, where American singer Chris Brown made a surprise appearance. “The room lit up,” Drummer said. “It was shock, excitement, and electricity all at once.”
Beyond the bright lights and roaring crowds, Eagle Eye also reveals the quieter, more reflective moments of Afrobeats stars. One standout image shows Wizkid alone backstage in 2021, quietly focused on his phone. “Even in silence, his presence spoke volumes,” Drummer noted.
The photo book aims not only to document what happened – but to make audiences feel it. “I wanted people to experience what I felt in those moments,” Drummer said. “To see what I saw, but also to sense the emotion, the pride, and the power behind every performance.”
As Afrobeats continues to reach new heights, Drummer’s work stands as both witness and celebration – an artistic chronicle of a genre that has gone from local rhythm to global anthem.
