Legendary Reggae artist Buju Banton has expressed his doubts about the Afrobeats genre, criticizing it for failing to inspire and uplift Africans.
During an appearance on “Drink Champs” with hosts N.O.R.E and DJ EFN on August 10, 2024, Buju Banton questioned the genre’s capacity to motivate listeners amid the ongoing struggles in various African nations. He challenged fans to name an Afrobeats song that brings hope and solace in the face of adversity.
“Tell me one Afrobeats song that truly uplifts us. Kenya is suffering with young people revolting; South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan—everywhere is struggling. Which Afrobeats track can offer peace of mind or reassure us that despite the hardships, we will overcome?” he asked.
In response, some commentators, including podcaster Jair Frai, suggested Burna Boy’s “Common Person” as an example of an uplifting Afrobeats song. Producer Murray Elias defended the genre, arguing that Afrobeats artists excel in songwriting and performance compared to their Dancehall counterparts, attributing their success to a well-funded and organized industry.
Elias also criticized the lack of unity in Dancehall and the commercial struggles of recent signings, suggesting that Afrobeats’ international success is due to its superior industry support.
Buju Banton also voiced frustration with Reggaeton artists, accusing them of cultural appropriation and calling for respect for Reggae and Dancehall music.
“There’s a lot of cultural appropriation happening. Reggaeton has heavily borrowed from our music and stolen our culture,” Buju said. “I’m not hating; I’m demanding respect for Reggae and Dancehall. Our music is profound and enduring, unlike fleeting trends.”
