What is the future of Girl Group coded music in Africa?

 

-The Anonymous Insider 

In the current music climate, ‘girl group coded’ doesn’t just describe a band of three or more girls singing in harmony. it’s a whole lifestyle, an aesthetic ‘a world of synchronized dance’ themed visuals, vocal layering, strong bonds and lyrics that always switch between fierce , flirty and inspiring .

Think ; 

Catchy looks

Concepts and eras

Fashion Coordination

Dance Centered performances

Solo Highlights

Whether it’s the dominating visuals of XG, the boss energy of Blackpink , or the retro vocal blend of FLO, the girl group coded music is dominating timelines and For You pages around the world.

But what about Africa?

what does girl group coded music look like when it comes from Kenya , Nigeria , South Africa or Ghana?

Does it exist ?

Can it grow ?

Most importantly, will the audience support it?

Girl Groups in Africa ; An idea still taking shape

Let’s be honest : girl groups are rare in African Pop Music or Afrobeats.

We have iconic duos , all-females choirs, and plenty of powerful soloists. But the structured, stylized , industry-backed girl group format hasn’t fully taken root here l, not because it can’t , but because the systems around it are either catching it or mocking it.

There are multiple reasons infact, some of which include ;

Cultural Hesitation; groups in bold performances can face backlash.

Market risks; solo acts feel safer to back than a team of multiple girls .

Industry Immaturity; no formal training or development systems exists here.

Lack of support structures ; labels ,studios , or agencies aren’t yet set up for this format.

That said , i’ve noticed two rising labels actively trying to push this impact; Lumin Record (previously RR Entertainment ) and MAVRIX Entertainment (previously Afro-k Entertainment) 

My research on Lumin Record shows that they have been active for about 3-4 years which is very commendable , i’m still researching the exact date but as of now they have a solid line up of solo artists who have already released original music . More recently, they launched an original girl group that i believe is also working on their own music , not covers , not trends , but the real material . Lumin record isn’t just experimenting anymore, they clearly have their A - game on. Based on my analysis , they’re more focused with impressing their current following while trying to build their popularity, but with the speed at which they’re working i’m very sure they’re going to put Africa on the map soon.

Now, tho my research on MAVRIX Entertainment doesn’t also show their specific date of establishment , i can confidently say that they’ve been around for about 2 years . Their structure tho not presented with 100% professionalism speaks volumes in comparison to Lumin Record’s , from artist branding to visual content to communication style , every thing appears to be deliberate, strategically and professionally laid out. Tho they haven’t debuted any artists yet , their training system appeases me personally, they’re building slowly and intentionally in a way that keeps you on your toes. Based on my observations and analysis , they are more focused on training and building their brand identity . 

There seems to be a quiet but noticeable sense of competition between the two labels . Different approaches , different speeds ,but the same destination : proving that girl group - coded music can be born and thrive from Africa as a whole .

I’m proud to say that Girl Group - Coded music as i like to call it , is no longer a dream, it’s becoming real , intentional effort. With Lumin Record pushing original contents and MAVRIX Entertainment laying down a structured , professional blueprints , the industry is slowly shifting . Two different methods , one shared goal : prove that girl groups and music groups as a whole can exist and thrive in Africa .

This movement isn’t just about going viral or mimicking international trends . It’s about building, Africa won’t join the global music group conversation , it’ll lead part of it.

I’ll be keeping an eye on both labels for more updates while i continue to look out for more labels , groups and collectives no matter how small, who are aiming to push this vision forward . Whether through dance , vocals , visuals or community , anyone brave enough to invest time , money and effort in a music group culture deserves to be seen .

The stage is wide open, the foundation is forming and trust me this is only the beginning.

-Anonymous Insider.

2025