News

March 30, 2026

TB2 hails Afrobeats success, advocates stronger artist earnings

TB2 hails Afrobeats success, advocates stronger artist earnings

Fast-rising Afrobeats act Adetola Akinjoko, popularly known as TB2, is celebrating the global rise of Afrobeats while calling for fairer financial rewards for Nigerian artists, as he unveils fresh projections for his career with the release of his latest single Lifestyle and a forthcoming EP in 2026.

The Ondo State-born singer, who has been steadily building his craft since beginning his musical journey in 2005, said the global acceptance of Afrobeats is a major win for Nigerian creatives, but insists more must be done to ensure artists receive equitable value for their contributions to the genre’s success.

“Afrobeats has undeniably gone global, and Nigerian artists have played a major role in shaping that success. However, when it comes to credit and revenue, the situation is mixed,” TB2 said, pointing to structural gaps that still affect earnings for many African musicians despite increased international exposure.

According to him, the expansion of Afrobeats into global markets has opened doors for collaborations, tours and digital streaming revenue, but unequal negotiating power between local artists and foreign labels continues to affect how profits are shared across the value chain.

“Foreign labels and distribution companies often have stronger structures, better legal teams, and more control over global markets. This sometimes means they benefit more financially, especially when deals are not structured fairly,” he stated.

TB2’s position reflects growing industry conversations about ownership rights, publishing structures and the need for Nigerian artists to better understand contract terms before entering international agreements.

He stressed that stronger local institutions and improved industry knowledge would help creatives secure more balanced deals.

“The solution lies in better industry knowledge, stronger local institutions, and artists understanding their worth before signing international deals,” he added.

Beyond the industry conversation, the artist is also entering what he describes as an exciting new creative phase.

His latest single Lifestyle is already attracting attention from fans, with the official video scheduled for release on April 3, 2026.

The song is expected to serve as a lead track for his upcoming EP, which he says reflects his growth and evolving sound.

Having released his first EP in 2010 and follow-up songs such as Passing 6 and Faya in 2017, TB2 said his music continues to draw inspiration from everyday experiences, culture and the realities of his environment, themes he believes resonate strongly with audiences within and beyond Nigeria.

As he prepares for the next stage of his career, TB2 says his focus remains on authenticity, creativity and building a legacy that aligns with the global direction of Afrobeats while maintaining strong African identity.

With Lifestyle gaining traction and a new EP expected later in 2026, the artist is projecting confidence that Nigerian musicians can achieve both international recognition and fair financial reward as the industry continues to evolve.