Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall star Buju Banton recently shared his thoughts on the rise of Afrobeats during an interview on the Drinking Champs Podcast, sparking a mix of reactions. Banton expressed his view that while Afrobeats is achieving significant international success, it lacks the depth and sociopolitical impact that earlier African music embodied. He pointed to legends like Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, and Youssou N’Dour, whose music not only entertained but also addressed the struggles and political climates of their respective countries.
Banton criticized Afrobeats for not reflecting the current political issues and protests happening across Africa, contrasting this with Reggae music, which he believes captures various aspects of life, including struggles and resistance. He also expressed disappointment that despite Afrobeats drawing inspiration from Reggae and Dancehall, there is insufficient acknowledgment of these Caribbean influences.
Additionally, Banton accused Afrobeats artists of distancing themselves from Jamaican musicians, noting that they often collaborate with artists from other continents rather than featuring their Jamaican counterparts. His remarks have stirred debate on social media, with some defending Afrobeats, arguing that it does include conscious music and that his claims about the lack of collaboration between Nigerian and Jamaican artists are unfounded.