AfroBeats Goes Global: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Francis Fagjot John, Founder of KuliKuli Entertainment, on Bridging African Music with the Oscars and Grammys
Dr. Francis Fagjot John, Founder of KuliKuli Entertainment
The global music industry is undergoing a seismic shift, and AfroBeats is at the forefront. From Lagos to Los Angeles, the infectious rhythms of African music have transcended borders, dominating charts, streaming platforms, and award shows. But what’s next? How can Africa’s entertainment industry secure its place alongside global giants like the Oscars and Grammys?
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Francis Fagjot John, the visionary founder of KuliKuli Entertainment, we explore the explosive growth of AfroBeats, the untapped potential of African talent, and his ambitious plan to partner with the Academy Awards (Oscars) and the Recording Academy (Grammys) to integrate African music and film into the world’s most prestigious platforms within the next five years.
The Rise of AfroBeats: A Global Phenomenon
AfroBeats is no longer just a genre—it’s a movement. With artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Davido winning Grammys, selling out arenas, and collaborating with global superstars, the sound of Africa has become inescapable. According to Spotify, AfroBeats streams grew by 550% between 2017 and 2023, with the genre now generating over $1.5 billion annually. The AfroNation Festival, held in Portugal, Ghana, and the U.S., attracts over 100,000 attendees yearly, proving the genre’s commercial viability.
Yet, despite this success, Africa’s entertainment industry remains undervalued. Dr. Francis Fagjot John argues that the continent’s creative economy could surpass oil revenues and diaspora remittances, which currently stand at $95 billion annually.
KuliKuli Entertainment: Africa’s Answer to the Grammys and Oscars?
Founded by Dr. Francis Fagjot John, KuliKuli Entertainment is positioning itself as a powerhouse for African talent development, distribution, and global partnerships. Unlike traditional labels, KuliKuli operates as a talent incubator, leveraging donations, sponsorships, and strategic alliances to elevate African artists.
From Northern Nigeria to Global Stages: The Making of an Entertainment Visionary
Long before founding KuliKuli Entertainment, Dr. John was a pioneering force in Nigeria’s entertainment scene. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he:
- Produced and hosted major beauty/fashion shows across Northern Nigeria with sponsors like Benson & Hedges, Rothmans, Nigerian Breweries, and Coca-Cola
- Co-hosted the legendary late-night radio program “Love Line” on KSMC Kaduna
- Auditioned for and appeared on the popular Hausa program “Magana Jarice” – Magana Jari Ce – Wikipedia
- Worked as a DJ, master of ceremonies, and rapper at major events
This rich tapestry of experience – from grassroots event production to media personality – directly informed his vision for KuliKuli Entertainment. “Those years taught me the power of authentic African entertainment,” Dr. Fagjot John reflects. “We created magic with limited resources, which showed me what’s possible when you combine African creativity with proper structure.”
Key Objectives of KuliKuli Entertainment:
KuliKuli Entertainment: More Than a Label – A Creative Powerhouse
Dr. John isn’t just building another entertainment company – he’s creating an integrated creative ecosystem:
- Hands-On Creative Direction
- Personally directing music videos and content alongside emerging African directors
- Building an in-house production team with state-of-the-art equipment
- Offering equipment rental services to nurture industry-wide growth
- Establishing Regional Hubs – Setting up talent development centers across Africa to scout, train, and promote artists.
- Global Partnerships – Working with the Grammys and Oscars to create African categories or side events recognizing African excellence.
- Revenue Expansion – Advocating for African governments to invest in entertainment as a key economic sector.
- Streaming & Distribution – Securing direct deals with Spotify, Apple Music, and Netflix to amplify African content.
Exclusive Interview: Dr. Francis Fagjot John on the Future of African Entertainment
1. How did AfroBeats evolve from a local sound to a global force?
“AfroBeats’ growth mirrors hip-hop’s rise in the 90s—authenticity meets globalization. Streaming, social media, and diaspora support accelerated it, but we’re just scratching the surface.”
2. What’s holding African artists back from dominating awards like the Grammys?
“Systemic barriers. The Grammys still view African music as ‘World Music,’ a category that limits its potential. We need direct representation in major categories.”
3. How will KuliKuli Entertainment change this narrative?
“We’re building infrastructure—recording studios, A&R teams, and lobbying groups—to ensure African artists compete fairly on the global stage.”
4. Can African music surpass diaspora remittances in revenue?
“Absolutely. Nigeria’s music industry alone generates 2billion∗∗,butwithproperinvestment,itcouldhit∗∗2billion∗∗,butwithproperinvestment,itcouldhit∗∗10 billion in five years—more than remittances in some countries.”
5. What’s your strategy for partnering with the Oscars and Grammys?
“We’re engaging the Recording Academy to introduce an AfroBeats Album of the Year category. For the Oscars, we’re pushing for Best African Film recognition.”
6. How will you ensure sustainability in talent development?
“Through donations, corporate sponsorships, and government partnerships. We believe in a crowdfunding model—every dollar counts in nurturing talent.”
7. What role should African governments play?
“They must treat entertainment like oil or agriculture—offer tax breaks, funding, and policy support. South Africa and Nigeria are leading, but more must follow.”
8. How do you respond to skeptics who doubt Africa’s global awards potential?
“Burna Boy and Tems proved them wrong. The world is listening. Now, we need structural recognition, not just viral moments.”
9. What’s your 5-year vision for KuliKuli Entertainment?
“To be the bridge between African talent and global platforms, ensuring our artists win Grammys and our films take Oscars.”
10. How can global artists and investors collaborate with you?
“We’re open—joint ventures, sponsorships, mentorship programs. The goal is mutual growth.”
11. What specific lessons from your 90s experience are you applying today?
“The importance of corporate partnerships. Back then, brands like Coca-Cola saw value in entertainment. Today, we’re scaling that model globally. Also, understanding grassroots talent development – we’re building systems to identify and nurture raw talent early.”
12. How does your US experience shape KuliKuli’s approach?
“America showed me the power of infrastructure. Here, entertainment is a well-oiled machine with clear pathways from talent discovery to stardom. Africa has the talent; we’re now building the equivalent infrastructure.”
13. What’s your response to claims that African artists don’t need Western validation?
“It’s not about validation – it’s about equity. When African artists sell out global tours but aren’t nominated for major awards, that’s an imbalance we’re correcting. True empowerment means competing on equal footing.”
14. How will you ensure African creative control in these global partnerships?
“Through ownership. Our model ensures African IP stays African. We’re negotiating deals where our artists maintain creative control while accessing global distribution. It’s about partnership, not patronage.”
15. What’s your take on the Afrobeats vs. AfroBeats spelling debate?
“The spelling matters less than the substance. What matters is creating structures where whether you spell it with one ‘f’ or two, the economic benefits flow back to Africa.”
KuliKuli Entertainment™: The Trademarked Vision for African Creative Dominance
The global entertainment landscape is shifting, and KuliKuli Entertainment™ – now officially trademarked – stands at the forefront of Africa’s creative revolution. From Lagos to Los Angeles, this pioneering company is transforming how the world experiences African music, film, and culture.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
The future of African entertainment is bright, but collaboration is key. KuliKuli Entertainment is calling on:
- Governments to fund creative industries.
- Corporate giants (MTN, Dangote, Netflix) to invest.
- Global award bodies to expand African categories.
- Artists & stakeholders to unite under one vision.
As Dr. Francis Fagjot John boldly states:
“AfroBeats is not just music—it’s Africa’s next economic revolution. The Grammys and Oscars must adapt, or they’ll miss the wave.”
For partnerships, contact KuliKuli Entertainment today. The world is listening—will you be part of the movement?
Citations & References:
- Spotify Year in Music Report (2023)
- AfroBeats Revenue Projections (PwC Analysis)
- Recording Academy Diversity Reports
- World Bank Data on Diaspora Remittances
- KSMC Kaduna Archives
- Nigerian Entertainment Historical Records
Written by Francis Maingaila (The Goat Media Center) & Perez John (TipsNews, Kansas City).
© 2025 KuliKuli Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.
