Afrobeats music is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Nigerian musicians are winning international awards, working with global stars, and performing at major concerts. This success has brought attention to the genre from various quarters. Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall artist Buju Banton recently shared his thoughts on Afrobeats during an interview on the Drinking Champs Podcast.
“A lot of culture vultures out there. They’ve focused on our music so hard & stolen our culture. They don’t give us no respect”
– Buju Banton talks about Afrobeats not giving Jamaican Reggae & Dance hall enough props. pic.twitter.com/Ost7x1lBDx
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) August 11, 2024
He expressed his opinion that while Afrobeats is gaining international recognition, it lacks the impactful messaging of earlier African music.
Banton compared current Afrobeats to the works of artists like Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, and Youssou N’dour. He believes these older artists’ music had a more sociopolitical impact and better reflected the struggles of the African continent.
According to Buju Banton, Afrobeats songs don’t connect deeply with the audience’s experiences. He contrasted this with Reggae music, which he says documents various aspects of life and reflects current political climates, including ongoing protests in different countries.
Banton also commented on the influence of Reggae and Dancehall on both Afrobeats and Latin American Reggaeton. He feels these genres don’t sufficiently acknowledge their Caribbean influences. He specifically criticized Afrobeats for not including more collaborations with Jamaican artists.
The Jamaican musician’s comments have sparked discussions on social media. Many observers disagree with Banton’s claim that Afrobeats lacks conscious music.
Buju Banton: Name one Afrobeats song that can uplift us?
Me: Here’s 20 that dropped this year…
1. Burna Boy – Higher
2. Yemi Alade & Ziggy Marley – Peace & Love
3. Wizard Chan – Demons & Angels
4. Show Dem Camp, The Cavemen, Nsikak David & Moelogo – Blessings
5. Ladipoe,… https://t.co/x3IoY2nmKI— gracey mae (@_graceymae) August 11, 2024
They also dispute his statement about Afrobeats artists not featuring Jamaican counterparts, pointing out that such collaborations do exist.