Afrobeats is ours but we must attract foreign investment with it or lose out totally – Daréy Art-Alade

Dare Art Alade, popularly known as Darey, has reflected on the soaring success of Afrobeats music genre on the global stage, saying he is happy and worried about the attention the genre is currently attracting globally.

The acclaimed singer expressed both joy and concern, stating, “I am really happy and proud, but I am also concerned because if we are not careful, they will use and dump us.”

Darey, a key figure in the afrobeats movement, recognised the growth the genre has experienced.

He, however, on a cautionary note hinted at the potential pitfalls of its unchecked success.

He stressed the need for artists to return to their roots and invest in both the people and infrastructure that form the backbone of afrobeats.

“We have to come back home and invest in our people and infrastructure,” Darey asserted, urging fellow artistes to view their success as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Calling for strategic actions, he said:“We have to use the attention we are enjoying right now to attract foreign investments and build things that will outlive this current generation.”

Darey’s words carry weight within the industry, where the rapid internationalization of Afrobeats has sparked conversations about preserving its cultural essence.

The singer’s cautionary note serves as a rallying call for industry stakeholders to adopt measures that ensure the genre’s sustained growth and relevance.