Nigerian superstar Tems has addressed Buju Banton’s recent critique of Afrobeats, which described the genre as lacking in depth and not resonating with the realities of its listeners.
In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, Tems responded to Banton’s claims by highlighting that Afrobeats, like many other popular music genres, is designed to entertain and offer enjoyment. She emphasized that Afrobeats serves a specific purpose for its creators and audience, similar to how pop music functions in other parts of the world.
“Afrobeats is not Reggae, it’s not Rock; it’s for a certain purpose. Considering its origins in Nigeria, it’s meant to be enjoyed in a specific way,” Tems explained. She stressed that the genre should be appreciated for what it is, rather than being compared to others.
Buju Banton, on the Drinking Champs Podcast, criticized Afrobeats as a movement that does not reflect the experiences of its African audience. He also noted that Nigerian stars leading Afrobeats’ global expansion have not sufficiently acknowledged Jamaican contributions to music.
Banton’s remarks sparked a range of responses from artists, including Jamaican Dancehall star Spice, who countered that Afrobeats artists like Burna Boy and Falz address sociopolitical issues in their music.
In the same interview, Tems also addressed false rumors about her being pregnant by American rapper Future, dismissing them as attempts to generate sensational gossip.
Additionally, Tems shared insights on her recently released debut LP, Born In The Wild, which features collaborations with Asake and J. Cole.