African musicians are wrestling with how and whether to embrace AI

The growing influence of artificial intelligence in music production has sparked both excitement and concern among African artists and industry professionals, particularly regarding the preservation and promotion of the continent’s diverse musical heritage.

Current landscape: AI’s emergence in African music is creating a complex dynamic between technological innovation and cultural preservation.

• Nigerian musician Eclipse Nkasi has created Mya Blue, an AI-powered virtual singer, and produced Africa’s first AI-powered music album “Infinite Echoes”
• High-profile artists globally, including Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj, have expressed concerns about AI’s potential to misappropriate artists’ voices
• African artists face unique challenges with AI implementation due to limited continental data representation and Western-biased algorithms

Key challenges: The integration of AI in African music faces several significant hurdles that need to be addressed.

• Limited access to technology and internet connectivity creates barriers for emerging artists from poorer communities
• Existing AI systems often misinterpret African cultural elements due to Western-centric data sources
• Copyright legislation needs updating to protect African artists in the AI era, especially given existing issues with music piracy

Cultural preservation concerns: Some industry professionals worry about AI’s impact on African musical traditions.

• Kenyan musician Tabu Osusa warns about potential cultural appropriation through AI’s ability to replicate African sounds without proper attribution
• There are concerns that AI could discourage learning traditional instruments and diminish the spiritual aspects of African music
• The homogenization of African music under broad labels like “Afrobeats” remains a challenge that AI could either address or exacerbate

Opportunities and innovations: Despite challenges, AI presents unique possibilities for African music.

• Companies like Josplay are using AI to create comprehensive archives of Africa’s diverse musical heritage
• AI tools could help showcase the continent’s musical diversity beyond generic categorizations
• Limited AI capabilities in replicating authentic African sounds may actually preserve opportunities for traditional musicians

Investment needs: The development of AI in African music requires substantial financial support and infrastructure development.

• Industry professionals call for increased investment in data infrastructure
• Founders like Emmanuel Ogala of Josplay are currently self-funding AI projects due to limited external investment
• Better financing could help bridge the technological gap and ensure African representation in AI development

Future implications: African music’s relationship with AI represents a critical juncture that will shape the industry’s future trajectory and its ability to maintain cultural authenticity while embracing technological advancement. Success will likely depend on finding a balance between preservation and innovation, while ensuring African artists maintain control over their cultural heritage in an increasingly AI-driven world.