Name: Mercedes Benson.
Where are you from?: born & raised in North London, but of Nigerian descent.
Instagram: @mercedesfbenson
In what ways has music helped to shape and define African culture and identity in 2023?
Music is at the heart of African culture, and honestly, the continent as a whole has been the breeding ground for so many talented individuals who are pioneering popular culture as we see it today. I think, in 2023, the global recognition that Afrobeats is gaining in the global music market is undeniable. Our artists are being nominated at the Grammys, performing at the VMAs, taking over Asia (Rema as an example), and infiltrating football associations – we are everywhere, and it feels good to see our music, a major export of ours, being recognized and enjoyed around the world. Afrobeats is shaping Africa as a strong leader in the entertainment space, as we know it.
How does the global perception of African music impact its representation in the music industry?
The global perception of African music is crucial in redefining Africa as a leading force in the space. Although we are still overcoming structural, economic, and impoverishment challenges, it’s important to show the world that it is not the only narrative to come out of Africa. We are educated and resilient, and on top of that, there are a plethora of self-sufficient individuals both in the continent and in the diaspora innovating in our countries. There is wealth in Africa in various forms.
Do you think the fusion of traditional and modern music in Africa has contributed to the diversity and richness of the creative scene? If so, how?
Most definitely. If you look at what is at the core of our music, it’s the drums. You hear those rhythmic pulses across all the genres that have come out of Africa – Afrobeats and Amapiano, to name the leading two at the forefront. I think it’s important, from an Afrobeats POV, for us not to forget the forefathers that paved the way for the sounds we hear today – Fela Kuti, Sunny Ade, to name a few.
Share one word that describes Africa to you.
Cheeky, I’ll have to say two: THE FUTURE.
