Korea turns to Nigeria’s Afrobeat to spark global music fusion
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Republic of Korea is turning its cultural spotlight towards Nigeria’s globally celebrated Afrobeat sound, as part of renewed efforts to create a powerful musical fusion that bridges both nations.
The Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) is leading this initiative, aiming to introduce traditional Nigerian music to South Korean audiences while deepening existing cultural ties.
The renewed cultural effort was highlighted during an exhibition in Abuja titled “K-pop Meets Korean Traditional Music,” where the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeon Ju Ho, hinted at plans to explore a musical fusion between Nigeria’s Afrobeat and traditional Korean sounds.
Ju Ho believes that blending the rhythmic energy of Afrobeat with Korea’s centuries-old melodies could birth a new genre of global musical resonance.
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Over the past 15 years, KCCN has played a major role in shaping cultural understanding between the two countries through music, education, and community outreach. Interestingly, Nigerian audiences have embraced elements of Korean culture, especially K-pop, and the Centre now seeks to build reciprocal appreciation for Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
“When it comes to Korean traditional music, to be honest, there has not been any collaboration around Afrobeat.
“We are hoping for more collaborations and opportunities so that traditional Nigerian music can also be introduced to Korea.
“KCCN is promoting Korean traditional music to Nigerians, hoping for more collaborations and opportunities that traditional Nigerian music can also be introduced to Korea.
“It is obvious that many Nigerians do not know about Korean traditional music, the reason we decided to bring Korean traditional music instruments that are also used in K-Pop music.” Ju Ho said
According to him, a recent collaboration between Korean artist Song Min Uk (aka Para) and Nigerian Afrobeat singer David Chimeremeze (aka Bima) served as an early experiment in the fusion genre, drawing attention to the emotional and sonic compatibility of both music traditions.
Speaking further, he said that KCCN sees this as a starting point for more dynamic exchanges between Korean and Nigerian musicians.
Despite Nigeria’s dominant influence in the global music space, particularly through Afrobeat, KCCN noted that collaborations with Korean traditional music remain largely unexplored. The Centre hopes to fill this gap by encouraging joint projects that bring together artists from both countries to innovate across genres.
The exhibition also sought to introduce Korean traditional music to Nigerian audiences through familiar K-pop formats, revealing the often overlooked roots and instruments that influence the genre. Organisers believe this reverse exposure will foster mutual curiosity and greater cultural appreciation.
Through these initiatives, KCCN is positioning itself as a cultural bridge, working to expand the scope of global music by amplifying indigenous sounds and promoting cultural integration. The long-term vision includes live performances, artist exchanges, and cultural showcases in both countries.
With Nigeria’s creative industry booming and Korea’s cultural exports expanding, this Afrobeat-K-music fusion could mark a new era of artistic collaboration, one that not only entertains but strengthens diplomatic and cultural bonds between the two nations.
