Afrobeats. The very name brings to mind images of lively rhythms, catchy melodies, and a strong wave of cultural pride coming from Africa, especially Nigeria. Its rise has been amazing, taking over radio stations, music charts, and dance floors around the world. But behind the excitement, some concerns are starting to grow.
People are beginning to question certain trends in the genre and are wishing for a return to some of its original strengths. This article looks at some of these important issues, sharing the feelings of listeners who want more depth and lasting quality from the music they love.
Shorter Songs, Shorter Experiences
One of the biggest complaints from serious listeners is that songs are getting too short. In the past, people could enjoy long, immersive tracks that let them really connect with the music. Today, many Afrobeats songs feel like quick moments that end too soon, just when the listener is getting into the vibe.
Fans miss those longer tracks that lasted between four and eight minutes, allowing for rich instrumentals, meaningful lyrics, and a full musical journey. These short songs often leave listeners feeling unsatisfied, like they have been cut off before fully enjoying the experience.
This trend naturally makes people wonder about the creative process behind the songs. Are these short tracks carefully made to have instant appeal, or are they simply the result of a more relaxed, freestyle way of making music that lacks strong structure?
A catchy freestyle can be refreshing, but when too many songs feel rushed and unfinished, it seems like a waste of the genre’s full potential. It takes away chances for musicians to show off their skills, for melodies to grow naturally, and for the true message of the song to reach listeners.
Today’s music scene often feels like a fast-moving collection of quick tracks, with little time to build the deep connection that longer songs used to create. It’s a sharp contrast to the “good old days” when songs were like journeys, full of rich instrumental layers and carefully chosen lyrics. Sometimes, amateur covers even sound more complete and detailed than the original songs, showing just how much listeners miss well-developed tracks.
The Need for Clearer Lyrics
Another big challenge for Afrobeats on the global stage is the need for clearer and easier-to-understand lyrics. Local slang and cultural expressions are important parts of Afrobeats, but using too much slang, fast-talking styles, and hard-to-understand phrases can confuse listeners from outside Africa.
In fact, people now often depend on YouTube reviewers to explain the lyrics, even when the songs are in English or Pidgin. Some people think the hidden meanings add beauty to the music, but if the goal is to reach a bigger audience, songs need to be more accessible. Not everyone has the time or energy to go on a “mission” to figure out what the lyrics are trying to say.
Artists need to find a balance between staying true to their culture and making sure the core message of the music is clear to more people. Speaking more clearly and using language that is easier to understand would definitely help Afrobeats grow its global fanbase.
Better Songwriting for a Stronger Afrobeat Impact
Beyond the issue of clarity, there is also a growing call for better songwriting. A great song is not just about having a good beat and using popular phrases. It’s about having a clear flow of ideas, connecting verses smoothly, and building around a strong central message.
People are asking artists to be more intentional when they write, choosing their words carefully so the parts of the song work together and tell a complete story. This doesn’t mean Afrobeats should lose the energy and fun that makes it special. Instead, the goal is to keep the excitement but shape it into songs with a clearer direction and more purpose.
Broadening the Themes Of The Afrobeat Genre
Maybe the biggest worry is about the narrow focus of many new Afrobeats songs. Today, the genre seems mostly focused on talking about women, shallow love, sex, and getting rich and showing off material things. These topics have pushed aside bigger, more meaningful issues that the genre once tackled.
In the past, legends like Fela Anikulapo Kuti used music as a way to fight injustice, speak out about political problems, and inspire people to demand change. Global stars like Bob Marley and Michael Jackson also showed that music could set new ideas in motion, teach lessons, and offer hope to people.
The current focus on expensive lifestyles, flashy cars like Lamborghinis, and short-term romances—even sometimes glorifying illegal ways of getting rich—feels like a big step away from that powerful tradition. While it’s true that music should be fun and entertaining, that should not be its only goal.
Many listeners are hoping for Afrobeats to return to being a voice for the voiceless, a tool for critical thinking, and a source of positive inspiration. Music has the power to teach, to build dreams, and to offer real value, and that power should not be overlooked.
A Hopeful Future for Afrobeats
Despite these worries, a lot of fans still believe that Afrobeats can move in a better direction. The genre can continue to grow and mature without losing the joyful energy that made it famous.
By encouraging artists to take more time when creating songs—making them longer, clearer, and covering more topics—Afrobeats can secure its place as not just entertainment but also as a powerful cultural force.
The ability to create music that makes people dance, think, feel, and dream of a better world is still within reach.
Now is the time for artists to tap into that full potential—to entertain, to educate, and to inspire a new generation and we here at Trickle Media are confident that this wave will hit sooner than we expect.
