A Conversation with Record Executive Bu Thiam

Afrobeats music has grown in popularity around the world with artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage and many others achieving international recognition, and their music charting on global music platforms. However, many agree that the genre still has potential to grow and expand its reach and influence. We caught up with the one person who would know what needs to be done to realize this potential, Columbia Records Vice President Bu Thiam. With deep knowledge on the trends shaping the global music industry, Bu has achieved considerable success in the music business, especially in the talent management sector. He has managed the careers of some well-known musicians including Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, T-Pain, and Kanye West and others. Red Carpet visited Bu at his Bu Vision studios in Atlanta for a wide-ranging conversation. I asked him about the future of Afrobeats.