Nigerian Afrobeats singer Young Game has opened up on the often-overlooked struggles faced by African artists in the diaspora, despite their growing influence on the global success of Afrobeats.

Young Game, born Sunday Paul Bassey and a native of Ndi Okpo Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, is currently based in Italy. Like many African creatives abroad, he continues to promote Nigerian culture beyond the continent, yet faces barriers that artists based at home rarely encounter.

According to the singer, distance from Nigeria’s core music ecosystem remains a major disadvantage. While Afrobeats has become a global sound, he argues that access to opportunities is still largely rooted in physical presence.

“Afrobeats is global now, but access is still very local,” Young Game said, pointing to limited industry connections, radio airplay, media coverage, and live performance opportunities as major setbacks for diaspora artists.

He explained that many musicians abroad invest significantly in production, promotion, and distribution, only to be sidelined due to gatekeeping and location bias within the industry.

“You can have the sound, the story and the consistency, but without proximity to the industry, it’s easy to be ignored,” he noted.

Beyond visibility, Young Game also highlighted the identity struggle faced by African artists overseas. Many are caught between being perceived as “too foreign” for the local Nigerian market and “not African enough” for international audiences, despite their undeniable roots.

“We are constantly trying to prove our authenticity, even though our roots are unquestionable,” he said.

Still, the singer believes diaspora artists remain essential to Afrobeats’ global expansion. Exposure to diverse cultures and audiences, he explained, fuels creativity, innovation, and helps introduce the genre to new territories.

“Many of us are building Afrobeats quietly in Europe, America and beyond performing, promoting and planting seeds that later grow into global movements,” Young Game added.

Opinion: A Needed Conversation for a Growing Genre

Young Game’s comments strike at the heart of an important conversation within Afrobeats. As the genre continues to dominate global charts, there is a growing need to recognize that its success is not built solely within Nigeria’s borders.

Diaspora artists often serve as cultural ambassadors, opening doors in foreign markets long before mainstream attention arrives. Yet, their efforts are rarely acknowledged until the movement becomes profitable or fashionable.

For Afrobeats to truly reflect its global identity, inclusivity must go beyond sound and reach into opportunity. Collaboration between home-based and diaspora artists, fair media representation, and industry support can only strengthen the culture.

As Young Game rightly puts it, Afrobeats is strongest when unified. Embracing diaspora creatives not as outsiders but as extensions of the culture may be the next crucial step in sustaining the genre’s global growth.