Afrobeats Experiencing Creative Reset, Says Joeboy
Nigerian singer Joeboy has suggested that Afrobeats is entering a new creative phase, describing the moment as a necessary reset that is steering the genre back toward authenticity and substance.
The artist made the remarks during his sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Lagos, where he paused midway through his performance to reflect on the current state of Afrobeats. According to the Fàjì hitmaker, the genre is shedding what he described as gimmicks and low-effort sounds, allowing more meaningful music to take center stage.
Joeboy told the crowd that Afrobeats is “going through a purge,” adding that songs lacking depth no longer have space in the evolving scene. He expressed optimism that the shift would allow music that truly resonates to endure, noting that he could already feel the change taking effect.
“I’m happy we’re getting back to a place where the music itself speaks,” the singer said, describing the moment as a positive turning point for the genre.
Calls For Authenticity Grow Louder
In the early years of the 2020s, Afrobeats underwent significant stylistic changes, with many Nigerian artists blending the sound heavily with other global genres such as Amapiano, American hip-hop, and R&B. While the fusion helped expand Afrobeats’ international reach, it also sparked criticism from purists who felt the genre was losing its identity.
Those critics repeatedly called for a return to what they termed “original Afrobeats,” arguing that excessive borrowing from foreign sounds diluted the genre’s core rhythm and cultural roots.
Signs Of A Shift Since 2024
By 2024, a noticeable shift began to emerge as several Nigerian artists leaned back into traditional Afrobeats elements, scaling down the dominance of Amapiano-inspired production. Music enthusiasts across the country have largely welcomed the change, viewing it as a step toward restoring the genre’s distinct character.
While many fans agree that a full revival of Afrobeats’ original essence may take time, Joeboy’s comments reflect a growing belief within the industry that the genre is finding its balance again – blending global appeal with the authenticity that first made it a cultural force.
