In a recent appearance on the popular US podcast Drink Champs, Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton stirred up a conversation that has resonated across the global music landscape. He took a critical stance on Afrobeats, a genre that has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity worldwide. Banton argued that despite the genre’s widespread success, it lacks the depth and socio-political engagement necessary to make a meaningful impact on the African continent and beyond.
Buju Banton, renowned for his impactful tracks like “Destiny,” “Psalm 23,” “Hills and Valleys,” and “Untold Stories,” expressed his concern over the content of Afrobeats music. He lamented that the genre, while popular and commercially successful, fails to address pressing issues or uplift African people. “When you look at what they’re doing, their music is not freeing Africa. It’s fkery… their music needs to free Africa. If I’m all the way in Jamaica and my country and my people fight to free your continent with word, sound, and power, and you have the ability now and all you’re singing is fckery?” he stated passionately.
Banton emphasized the importance of music that transcends entertainment and contributes to social and political discourse. He challenged Afrobeats artists to look beyond the allure of financial success and consider the legacy they leave behind. “You don’t sing a song to free Africa now… we desire more from them. You want the money? Go get it, but what’s going to be said about you later on? You didn’t make any impact,” he added.
To illustrate his point, Buju Banton referenced Kenya and other African nations experiencing political unrest and social upheaval. He questioned the ability of current Afrobeats songs to resonate with those facing such challenges. “Tell me one Afrobeats song that can uplift us. Kenya is suffering. The young men of Kenya are revolting… Sudan, South Sudan, you name it. But which one of these songs can I relate to for peace of mind; to tell me that I’m in the struggle and we are going to be better in the struggle, and even though the struggle is hard, we’re going to overcome,” he said.
Buju Banton also touched on the relationship between Afrobeats and reggae, acknowledging the influence of Jamaican music on the genre. Despite this, he noted that some Afrobeats artists might distance themselves from reggae, claiming a distinct identity. However, Banton highlighted the fundamental connection between African and Jamaican music, rooted in shared rhythms and cultural expressions. “I’m sure a lot of Afrobeats artists will say to you, ‘Oh, Afrobeats has nothing to do with Jamaica.’ And we’ll say to them, ‘Our music has everything to do with Africa. We don’t dichotomize. We don’t separate ourselves from Africa. No point, no time, no day, because the drum in our music is what speaks to our soul. I think the drum in your music speaks to your soul,” he remarked.
Banton’s comments have reignited a debate on the lyrical depth of Afrobeats, a sentiment echoed by notable Nigerian artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid. In a previous interview, Burna Boy criticized the genre’s lack of substance, stating, “There is no substance to it, like nobody is talking about anything, it’s just a great time. But at the end of the day, life isn’t an amazing time.” Wizkid, on the other hand, dismissed the “Afrobeats artist” label, arguing for a broader artistic expression beyond the confines of the genre.
As Afrobeats continues its global surge, poised to elevate Africa’s music industry and create millions of jobs, the conversation around its content and impact remains vital. Buju Banton’s call for deeper meaning in music challenges artists to reflect on their role in shaping cultural narratives and inspiring change.
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