Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has acknowledged the global influence of Afrobeats, saying he was ‘forced’ to look up two of its superstars, Burna Boy and Rema ahead of his latest trip to Nigeria.
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Gates, who spoke at a forum with students and young innovators from Nigeria and across Africa, said his daughter, Phoebe, prompted his search following her excitement about both artistes.
He was delivering his opening address at ‘Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation co-hosted by the Lagos Business School and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), in partnership with Africa.com and Channels Television.
He said Phoebe, 20, upon learning his dad was visiting Nigeria for the first time since 2018, raised the possibility of him meeting the Afrobeats stars.
“Of course, being here in Nigeria, I can’t help but mention the amazing creativity that goes on here,” Gates said.
“Afrobeats from Nigeria are popular everywhere. When my daughter Phoebe heard I was coming to Nigeria, she said, ‘You’re lucky to go see Burna Boy and Rema.’”
The Microsoft co-founder quipped about having to look up the artists “because I’m so hip.”
He also acknowledged other Afrobeats superstars Davido and Wizkid.
“But I also remember, the last time I was here, I did get to see Davido and Wizkid perform and I was quite impressed with that. So, my kids think I’ve come to a very hip place,” Gates said.
Peoplesmind