The Rise of K-Pop and Afrobeats: A Transcultural and Digital Exploration

This study examines the global rise of Korean popular music (K-Pop) and Afrobeats, focusing on four key aspects: the influence of historical and cultural contexts on their development; the role of digital platforms and social media in their international success; their mutual influence and impact on broader musical trends; and their social and cultural impacts both locally and globally. Through a comparative lens, its analysis, informed by the Globalisation Theory, Actor Network Theory, Intertextuality Theory, and Cultural Hybridity Theory, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these genres’ emergence, evolution, and global influence. Additionally, it aims to give a fresh perspective on how music from disparate cultures converges and diverges.