From Africa to Asia and the Americas, the language of music is one that every tribe and tongue speaks. The debate about the country with the best music in the world is, however, subjective, based on individual taste. We can dwell on certain metrics that would make a country leading in the music frontiers like global influence, creation of music trends, popularity and fan base, numbers on charts, and some other factors.
Let’s take a lyrical dive across continents.
Countries with the Best Music in the World
1. United States of America
2. South Korea
3. Nigeria
Countries with the Best Music in the World
Three Countries With the Highest Music Influence
1. United States of America- Industry Boss
The US is globally known as a music giant, but not just because of the name they carry, but their consistent impact. They have a track record that shows why they are on top of the list. On the topic of music, they have a name that everyone knows.
America is known for its musical diversity. It is a blend of African, European, Latin American, and many other sounds. English, being one of the most spoken languages in the world, has contributed to the continuous rise of music from America, although even non-English speakers hold their music in high esteem.
The United States of America has created some of the most iconic and widely spread music trends. Let’s begin with jazz and blues. These American sounds have deep roots. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was the black people during the times of gross racism and the slave trade. Music was the way African Americans escaped either escaped from their present or survived. They were made out of spiritual songs while working, chants, and field calls. The enslaved Africans sang to express their sorrows, and also to foresee the hope of freedom. They lyrically expressed their woes, poverty, struggles, yearning for freedom, and remembrance of the identity left behind.
The US also created country and rock music, alongside hip-hop, which has become one of the most dominant genres in the world. Not only do they create musical trends and genres, they also create global music icons, artists known and highly admired and respected. The name Michael Jackson will obviously not be washed away in the sands of time. He’s a legend whose musical legacy is still spoken of till date. He still has records that haven’t been broken even after his passing. We still see people wearing white and black with hats and breakdancing in honor of his memory.
Another legend who has passed on but will forever be spoken about for his influence is Tupac. Books and movies are still created in honour of him after his passing. We have other phenomenal legends like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Jay Z, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and a host of many others.
Not only does the United States create phenomenal music by amazing artists, but they have also invested in its music market. They have the bragging rights of the largest music market in the world. Little wonder they have that much impact in the world. The United States is the hub of major labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. Even major streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music are American-owned or dominated by the country’s music.
We can spend the whole day on America, so let’s wrap it up with Hollywood’s influence and award shows. Hollywood, as we already know, is every potential actor’s “Mama, I made it” spot. Because of the wide reach of Hollywood, using their music as background and soundtrack also contributes to its worldwide fame. Award shows are a major way musicians get credibility and acclaim. Guess the organizers of the biggest music awards like the Grammy Awards, AMA, and Billboard Awards? You guessed right, America.
In summary, everybody dances to the beats of American music.
2. South Korea- The K-pop Haven
South Korea is the cool Korea that many fans want to visit. Whether it is for their phenomenal music, drama, fashion, or beauty. It’s amazing how their music world has embedded elements from each of these brands they’re known for.
Before now, when you think of music influence, you probably think United States or the United Kingdom, but we have seen South Korea creep in and dominate the industry. Music from South Korea is known as K-pop. How wonderful is it that a large majority of their fans don’t even speak their language? We already registered that language is never a barrier in the world of music.
Speaking of language, a lot of Kpop fans across the world have made Korean their favorite international language out of Korean. Some have even gone as far as learning it because of its influence and their love for music produced in Korean. Even people who didn’t consciously learn know basic words in Korean. Need I say how fabulous it is that their music industry took the country’s name to the ends of the world?
Have you seen the Kpop fanbase? People have gained big names for themselves, as well as reproach, as the case may be, from associating with BTS. Their fanbase Army, is a literal battalion ready to make or mar anyone for the love of their idols. Other groups include Blackpink, EXO, and Stray Kids. Their fanbase isn’t only active online. They have sold out shows from Los Angeles to London with their fans from Ghana to the Philippines.
How about the music awards they garnered intentionally, or their conquering of Billboard charts? They have gained many international collaborations from global artists like Snoop Dogg, Dua Lipa, and Halsey.
Maybe it’s the best part for me, but their visuals should be studied. Kpop’s storytelling is top-notch, from their dance rhythms to high fashion sense, makeup, and pure phenomenal artistry. They don’t just make music videos. They tell stories in the most captivating ways. Some of these music stars, like IU and Taeyang, also double as actors, giving kdramas more acclaim.
Whether you’re a diehard fan of Kpop, a curious listener, or someone who has never cared until now, you’ll agree they have made a global name for themselves, and they have come to stay from Seoul to our souls.
3. Nigeria- Africa’s Musical Giant
Is the list even complete without the Giant of Africa? That name is not just a flex; it is the Nigerian reality. From Fela to Phyno, Nigeria has produced decades of hits.
Nigeria is the second most populated country in the world and the largest country in Africa, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. This is highly reflected in the Nigerian music style. Home to Afrobeats, Fuji, Highlife, and Juju. Embedded within them are culturally rich storytelling, dance styles, danceable and heartfelt rhythms, and sounds.
The Nigerian music industry has produced great pioneering voices like Fela, King Sunny Ade, Osita Osadebe, and Onyeka Onwenu, people who weave their languages and culture into the fabrics of their wonderful music. We also have voices like Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Davido, Tems, Wizkid, Burnaboy, Ayra Starr, Kizz Daniel, Phyno, Asake, and many others who have taken the voice of Nigeria across the world.
From international collaborations with the like of Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, Stormzy, Nicki Minaj and many others to Rema’s sounds being played on the streets of India to Ayra Starr being on Obama’s Favourite songs list to awards like Grammy and BET, to Nigerian songs playing in global stadiums and Tiwa Savage singing at the inaguration of the King of England, Nigeria has made a global name and image for itself on the global music world, and there’s more of that goodness. Naija to the world!
Conclusion
From the depth infused in America’s jazz to the wide appeal of Kpop, and the raw energy of Afrobeats, we see from three countries how music knows no borders and has no barrier across languages. Whether you’re in Lagos, Seoul, or Los Angeles, you can have a taste of continents through the lens of their musical heritage. Which country, for you, makes the best music?
