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Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has
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February 17, 2023
What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the
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February 14, 2023
The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close
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What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...
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February 8, 2023
Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.
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February 8, 2023
“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are
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February 6, 2023
SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely
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February 4, 2023
Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.
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Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire
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February 5, 2023
The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all
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January 31, 2023
Zach Bryan released his first album in 2019, and in the short time since he has become one of the biggest names in country. His biggest album, “American Heartbreak”, broke single-day album streaming
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January 31, 2023
Miley Cyrus was born into the music industry, and has spent her career channelling her Nashville and Hollywood roots into a diverse discography stacked with hits. Add to that countless covers that are
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Photo Source: BBC
In recent times, the United States has seen a burgeoning interest in African music, a trend that has brought a refreshing diversity to the music scene. Leading this wave is the South African sensation Tyla, whose hit song "Water" has captured the hearts of audiences across the nation.
Tyla: A Rising Star
Tyla, hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, has rapidly risen to international fame. Her unique sound, which blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary beats, has made her a standout artist in the global music industry. Her journey from a local talent to an international star is a testament to her exceptional talent and the universal appeal of her music.
"Water": A Cultural Phenomenon
"Water" isn't just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon. This track distinguishes itself with its catchy melody, vibrant beats, and Tyla's mesmerizing vocals. It's a song that transcends language barriers, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its rhythmic flow. The music video, rich in color and African cultural elements, adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the song's appeal.
The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in October, marking Tyla's first appearance on the chart. It shot to the top of the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, spending 14 weeks at No. 1, and reached No. 7 on the Hot 100. Lewis credits the song's success to its blend of Afrobeats/Amapiano drum patterns with traditional R&B elements, appealing to a diverse audience globally.
"Water" also dominated the airwaves, maintaining the No. 1 spot on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay for eight weeks. The strategy of leveraging Shazam, digital, and streaming success laid the groundwork for radio triumph. Remixes by Travis Scott and Marshmello played a significant role, adding layers and reaching broader audiences.
African Music in the U.S.: A Growing Trend
The success of "Water" in the U.S. is part of a larger trend of African music gaining popularity. Artists from across the African continent are finding enthusiastic audiences in the States, showcasing a wide range of styles and genres. From Afrobeats to Amapiano, the diverse sounds of Africa are resonating with American listeners, creating a vibrant and dynamic music scene.
Adding to this African music wave is the collaboration between Nigerian artist Rema and American singer Selena Gomez in "Calm Down." This track is a vivid example of how African artists are increasingly collaborating with mainstream American artists, creating a unique blend that appeals to a wide audience. "Calm Down" has resonated with listeners globally, showcasing the universal appeal of African rhythms mixed with familiar pop elements.
