The first-ever official Afrobeats chart has launched in the UK

It will "help open up the culture to new audiences, giving emerging artists the opportunity to be heard"

On July 21st, the UK launched its first official Afrobeats chart.

The official chart results are released every Sunday at 2pm, with BBC Radio 1Xtra set to host a special launch show on July 26th to celebrate the new addition.

A playlist of the UK’s official Top 20 Afrobeats artists of the last 12 months has also been curated, including some of the hottest names about right now.

J Hus currently holds top spot in the list with ‘Must Be’, the Jae5 link-up which also earned the number 1 position in our 50 Best Tracks of 2019. Burna Boy arrives in second place with ‘Ye’, while Not3s, Yxng Bane and B Young all have tracks in the top 10.

Kofie ‘Funkz’ Kyei of MOVES, a member of the team that created the new chart, stated: “It has been amazing to witness over the past decade the sheer growth in African music being welcomed by the UK and the international market. A scene that defines a culture, a people and countless generations, its music has soundtracked underground culture for years, being the go-to sound in clubs, parties and communities in a way that’s shaped our very culture.”

“For too long, Afrobeats artists have had to work tirelessly to get their voices heard and now African music/Afrobeats is finally being seen as a leading sound that global superstars turn to on a regular basis.”

“The Official UK Afrobeats Chart will help open up the culture to new audiences, giving emerging artists the opportunity to be heard whilst celebrating the sound of a continent that has gone global. Its importance can’t be measured and I look forward to celebrating the biggest and best tracks each and every week!”

Stream ‘The UK’s Official Top 20 Afrobeats Artists Of The Past 12 Months’: