So is the music industry. On Tuesday, the MTV Video Music Awards will put the beat-heavy party music center stage when it hands out the first-ever Moonman for best Afrobeats. The apparent front-runner: Rema and Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down,” which just hit 52 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. (Worth noting: The song has also topped Billboard’s recently-launched Afrobeats chart.) The VMAs’ new category comes after last year’s American Music Awards made the same move, and as the Grammys will add a similar section next year.
Why the change in tune?
Many Afrobeats artists credit their success and the genre’s popularity to social media and streaming platforms. TikTok, Apple Music, and Spotify have made it easier for Afrobeats stars (think: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems) to have all ears and go viral. Others point to how the US’s African immigrant population has roughly doubled every decade since 1970 — and that many have come from Nigeria, which has been called “the bastion of Afrobeats.” Another thing that helps? Collabs with high-profile names, including Beyoncé, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and more. Many are excited about Afrobeats' popularity, but some critics have pointed out that it isn’t a catch-all for a genre that’s still evolving. And others believe Afrobeats artists are still underrepresented in the music industry and success is rare.
theSkimm
Afrobeats artists are climbing the charts. Now, music awards like the VMAs are putting them front and center — further elevating them on the world’s playlist.
What's Happening
🏠 In your home…
Looking for a starter home? Good luck figuring out what that even means. Regardless, there’ll probably be many DIY projects in your future — so have shoes, brushes, and other “girl hammers” handy. Meanwhile, move overcheap furniture, Banana Republic’s expanded home collection is bringing cashmere and neutrals to the kitchen table…literally. Plus, celebs have the wallpaper industry covered.
💼 In the office...
Another perk of remote work: A record-low workplace gender gap. TBD if that works out now that some are facing a new ultimatum — RTO or get a new job. But quitting may already be on your to-do list if you recently got promoted. Or, if you’ve been waiting for theSeptember surge. Just be sure to ‘circle back’ on the ever-present workplace jargon.
🙃 In adulting…
If all your summer fun’s got you feeling financially drained, consider a fall refresh. Or, try saying ‘I don’t’ to some weddings — and all the other celebrations that come with them. You could also tap into your zodiac signature for strength and help.Not into astrology? Yourchoice of coffee can also say a lot about you, apparently.
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Sunday Scaries, Who?
Here’s one tip for a better start to your week.
Sweating the Sunday scaries? Instead, try one of the many viral fitness trends for a lift. Don’t worry: We’re not talking actual heavy lifting. In fact, you don’t have to do an intense workout — or even get up from your couch, necessarily — to experience the benefits of movement. If you’re ready to take the first step(s), consider...
Cozy cardio. This trend is all about staying in your comfort zone. Dim the lights, burn a few candles, and put on a feel-good show or playlist to set the vibe. Then, tap into a low-impact, at-home workout while wearing extra soft activewear. Better yet, you could even do it in your pajamas.
Lazy girl workout. Think of this as cozy cardio’s laid-back cousin. Meaning, the low-impact exercises are designed to be short and sweet (like 15 minutes of leg lifts, arm pulses, and seated marches) and can even be done from your couch or bed. Ready to make a move? Check out one of these workout videos.
Ecstatic dancing. In the words of Lady Gaga, just dance. Unlike dance cardio classes (think: Zumba), ecstatic dancing lets you take the lead — releasing physical and emotional stress in the process, according to some. So get in the groove (pro tip: you can’t go wrong with Rihanna and Beyónce) and shake it like no one’s watching. Because, spoiler, no one is.
Silent walking. Trying to quiet all the noise? Turns out, many people are finding their stride in silence. That’s because taking this step can help clear your mind, so you can connect more deeply with yourself and your surroundings. All you have to do is leave your headphones at home and take a walk in the park...literally.
Save the Date
Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...
PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.
News Quiz
Stumped by our news quiz yesterday? Here's the answer.
