Afrobeats Goes Global: Latin America’s Growing Connection

Spotify data shows a massive rise in Afrobeats’ popularity across Latin America, marking the genre’s evolution from an African export to a global sound.

Since 2020, Afrobeats streaming in Argentina and Mexico has grown by more than 400%, while Brazil has recorded a 500% surge. Colombia leads the region, with 25 million hours of Afrobeats streamed in 2025 alone. Overall, the region has seen a 180% increase in listenership year-on-year.

This boom has inspired a new Latin-Afrobeats fusion known as Afro-Ritmo, rooted in shared African heritage and modern digital exchange. Colombian artists Beéle and Kapo are at the forefront of this movement, blending Nigerian influences with local genres such as champeta and salsa.

Beéle, influenced by Davido’s Aye at age 12, achieved his first Billboard entry with Loco at 16 and released his debut album BORONDO featuring Nigerian producers. Kapo, known for Ohnana and Uwaie, reached the Billboard Global 200 and topped Latin Rhythm Airplay. His remix of Awolowo with Nigerian artist Fido further highlights the cross-continental collaboration.

Major partnerships continue to push the genre forward:

• Rauw Alejandro x Ayra Starr x Rvssian – “Santana”: Over 300 million Spotify streams; earned Ayra Starr her first Latin Diamond Certification.
• Omah Lay x Ozuna – “Soso” Remix
• Mr Eazi x J Balvin – “Lento,” “Arcoíris” (Latin Grammy winner)
• J Balvin x Burna Boy – “Rollercoaster”

The Latin Afrobeats subgenre has expanded by 6,000% since 2020, while Spotify’s Afro-Ritmo playlist grew by 180% in 2025. Streaming platforms have been key in bridging African and Latin artists, fueling this powerful cross-cultural fusion.