Buju Banton, the legendary reggae icon, recently sparked a heated debate within the music industry with his critique of contemporary Afrobeat during an interview with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. Banton expressed his disappointment in the current state of Afrobeat, arguing that it has strayed far from its original roots of addressing societal issues and inspiring positive change. His critique emphasized a perceived loss of depth and substance in the genre, a sentiment that did not go unnoticed, as it was met with a swift response from Afrobeat artist Fuse ODG.
“As one of the few artists who have experienced both extremes you know conscious Afrobeats to commercial Afrobeats… And I get where Buju is coming from because most Afrobeats hits do not have the message in it, but that’s not to say that there aren’t Afrobeats artists who are making music with the message in it. But for me, it doesn’t have to be that deep because Afrobeats is so spiritual.” Fuse ODG
Buju Banton’s Lament
In his critique, Buju Banton lamented the lack of reggae influence in modern Afrobeat music, which he believes is a crucial element that has been lost over time. According to Banton, Afrobeat has its roots in reggae, and this connection should be evident in the music produced today. However, he argued that contemporary Afrobeat songs have become diluted, lacking the substance needed to uplift, liberate, or inspire listeners. The absence of these qualities, in his view, has led to a genre that no longer serves its original purpose of addressing societal issues.
Popularity vs. Impact
Expanding on this point, Banton expressed concern that contemporary Afrobeat is now more focused on achieving popularity rather than making a lasting impact. He questioned whether the songs resonate with Africans on a deeper level or simply cater to a global audience seeking catchy beats. While he acknowledged the financial success that comes with popularity, he emphasized the importance of creating music that speaks to the soul and leaves a meaningful legacy. Banton challenged current Afrobeat artists to consider what will be said about their work in the future and whether their music will be remembered for its impact.
Afrobeat as a Time Marker
Furthering his critique, Buju Banton described Afrobeat music of the past as a “time marker,” evoking memories of significant life moments such as a first date or a first dance. He suggested that contemporary Afrobeat lacks this emotional depth, reducing it to a transient trend that fails to connect with listeners on a personal level. In Banton’s view, this modern music is ephemeral and will eventually fade, unlike the Afrobeat of earlier years, which had a lasting influence on its audience by marking important moments in their lives.
Fuse ODG’s Defense
In response, Fuse ODG, a prominent Afrobeat artist, strongly disagreed with Banton’s assessment. In a video shared on Instagram, Fuse ODG argued that while some Afrobeat songs may lack deep messages, it is unfair to generalize the entire genre. He pointed out that many Afrobeat songs are performed in African languages, which resonate deeply with listeners and help them reconnect with their roots. As he put it, “A lot of times we are speaking in our mother’s tongues, but it still resonates with people, and this music is allowing Africans to now fall back in love with themselves and be proud of being African. It’s allowing African Americans to want to come back home and connect back to their roots.” Fuse ODG also highlighted the significant economic benefits generated by Afrobeat, citing the success of initiatives like the “Year of Return” in Ghana, which not only boosted the economy but also brought Africans in the diaspora back to their heritage.
Balancing Afrobeat’s Roots with Its Global Evolution
The ongoing debate between Buju Banton and Fuse ODG emphasizes the evolving nature of Afrobeat and its role in today’s world. Banton’s perspective reflects a nostalgia for an era when music carried powerful messages, while Fuse ODG defends the contemporary evolution of Afrobeat, emphasizing its cultural and economic significance. Both viewpoints offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the genre, highlighting the balance between maintaining the roots of Afrobeat and embracing its current global influence.
For more insight into the conversation, watch the video below
