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Joshua Baraka is making a case for East Africa’s central role in the global music conversation.

Joshua Baraka on East Africa's Takeover, Afrobeats' Decline & AI in Music

In this new episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joshua Baraka breaks down the philosophical divide between East and West African music cultures, why he believes Afrobeats is showing signs of decline, and what it means to make art in an era of AI.

OkayAfrica Staff

April 24, 2026

OkayAfrica: Premier Digital Platform for African News, Music & Culture

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OkayAfrica: Premier Digital Platform for African News, Music & Culture

FEATURED STORY

Joshua Baraka on East Africa's Takeover, Afrobeats' Decline & AI in Music

RECENT STORIES

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The African Music You Need to Hear This Week

This Nigerian Startup is Teaching AI to Sing in African Languages

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MUSIC STORIES

Here’s Everything Going On in AI and Music Right Now

Op-Ed: Is Asake the Heir to King Sunny Ade's Legacy?

EXCLUSIVE: With a New Jazz Project, DJ Spinall Proves That He Can Do It All

EXCLUSIVE: The Many Lives of Zakes Bantwini

For Spotify’s Phiona Okumu, Success Starts with Listening First

The African Music You Need to Hear This Week

FILM + TV STORIES

The Herd: Netflix’s Successful Crime Thriller About Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis

What to Watch in Africa This September: Fantasy Comedies, Crime Documentaries, and Stirring Dramas

How Nollywood Actress Ashionye Raccah Got to Star in the Second Season of ‘Wednesday’ Alongside Jenna Ortega

Burna Boy, Made Kuti, and Bose Ogulu Unite Behind Nigeria’s Creele Studios’ New 3D Animated Short ‘SOPO’

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