OkayAfrica: Premier Digital Platform for African News, Music & Culture

Joshua Baraka is making a case for East Africa’s central role in the global music conversation.

Joshua Baraka on East Africa's Takeover, Afrobeats' Decline & AI in Music

In this new episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, sponsored by Martell, Joshua Baraka breaks down the philosophical divide between East and West African music cultures, why he believes Afrobeats is showing signs of decline, and what it means to make art in an era of AI.

OkayAfrica Staff

April 24, 2026

OkayAfrica: Premier Digital Platform for African News, Music & Culture

FEATURED STORY

Joshua Baraka on East Africa's Takeover, Afrobeats' Decline & AI in Music

RECENT STORIES

Today in Africa — May 4, 2026: Nigeria Plans Repatriation Flights as South Africa Tensions Rise, Cape Verde Cruise Hantavirus Outbreak Leaves Three Dead

The Best Afro-House Songs Right Now

The Best East African Songs Right Now

MUSIC STORIES

The Best West African Songs Right Now

The Best North African Songs Right Now

The Best Southern African Songs Right Now

The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now

Here's What African Musicians Are Saying About AI Right Now

Can The Lagos Rave Scene Survive Commercial Attention?

Error 503 Service Unavailable

Guru Meditation:

FILM + TV STORIES

The Herd: Netflix’s Successful Crime Thriller About Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis

What to Watch in Africa This September: Fantasy Comedies, Crime Documentaries, and Stirring Dramas

How Nollywood Actress Ashionye Raccah Got to Star in the Second Season of ‘Wednesday’ Alongside Jenna Ortega

Burna Boy, Made Kuti, and Bose Ogulu Unite Behind Nigeria’s Creele Studios’ New 3D Animated Short ‘SOPO’

As Big Brother Nigeria Turns 10, Here Are Some of the Loyal Fans Who Made It an Iconic Show

What To Watch in Africa This August 2025

MORE STORIES

The Murder of an Important Afro-Brazilian Cultural Figure Has Brazilians Reeling in Run-Up to Vote

The 9 Best East African Songs of the Month

The Return Of Duncan Mighty—Nigeria's Most Unlikely Superstar

The 12 Best South African Songs of The Month

The 11 Best Ghanaian Songs of the Month

The 13 Best Nigerian Songs of the Month

OkayAfrica: Premier Digital Platform for African News, Music & Culture

FEATURED STORY

Joshua Baraka on East Africa's Takeover, Afrobeats' Decline & AI in Music

RECENT STORIES

Today in Africa — May 4, 2026: Nigeria Plans Repatriation Flights as South Africa Tensions Rise, Cape Verde Cruise Hantavirus Outbreak Leaves Three Dead

The Best Afro-House Songs Right Now

The Best East African Songs Right Now

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

MUSIC STORIES

The Best West African Songs Right Now

The Best North African Songs Right Now

The Best Southern African Songs Right Now

The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now

Here's What African Musicians Are Saying About AI Right Now

Can The Lagos Rave Scene Survive Commercial Attention?

Error 503 Service Unavailable

Guru Meditation:

FILM + TV STORIES

The Herd: Netflix’s Successful Crime Thriller About Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis

What to Watch in Africa This September: Fantasy Comedies, Crime Documentaries, and Stirring Dramas

How Nollywood Actress Ashionye Raccah Got to Star in the Second Season of ‘Wednesday’ Alongside Jenna Ortega

Burna Boy, Made Kuti, and Bose Ogulu Unite Behind Nigeria’s Creele Studios’ New 3D Animated Short ‘SOPO’

As Big Brother Nigeria Turns 10, Here Are Some of the Loyal Fans Who Made It an Iconic Show

What To Watch in Africa This August 2025

MORE STORIES

The Murder of an Important Afro-Brazilian Cultural Figure Has Brazilians Reeling in Run-Up to Vote

The 9 Best East African Songs of the Month

The Return Of Duncan Mighty—Nigeria's Most Unlikely Superstar

The 12 Best South African Songs of The Month

The 11 Best Ghanaian Songs of the Month

The 13 Best Nigerian Songs of the Month