In a recent interview on Revolt TV’s ‘Drink Champs,’ Buju Banton expressed strong criticism towards Afrobeats artists, accusing them of producing music that lacks substance and fails to address the struggles of Africa. He joined Burna Boy and Foota Hype in this critique, emphasizing that while Jamaican music, particularly Reggae and Dancehall, has historically been a voice for Africa, Afrobeats lacks the depth needed to inspire and uplift.
Buju pointed out that despite the global success of Afrobeats, the genre does not connect with the roots of Reggae and Dancehall, which have always sought to raise awareness about the struggles faced by African nations. He expressed disappointment that current Afrobeats artists are more focused on commercial success rather than creating music that has a meaningful impact on Africa’s liberation.
He recalled his visit to Africa in 1991, where he spent weeks educating university students about the power of Jamaican music in bridging cultures. Buju lamented that Afrobeats artists have not followed in the footsteps of legendary African musicians like Fela Kuti and Lucky Dube, who used their music to push boundaries and advocate for change.
Buju also criticized the lack of meaningful content in Jamaican music today, drawing parallels between it and Afrobeats. He argued that both genres should focus on uplifting their audiences, particularly in times of struggle, instead of solely chasing wealth and fame.
Echoing Buju’s sentiments, Burna Boy had previously spoken out about the superficiality of many Afrobeats songs, highlighting that they often lack real-life experiences and deeper meaning. Similarly, Foota Hype had criticized Afrobeats for its focus on materialism and relationships, rather than addressing the pressing issues facing Africa.
Buju concluded by calling for a stronger connection between Jamaican and African music, urging artists on both sides to use their platforms to speak from the heart and address the challenges faced by their people.