Buju Banton Criticizes Afrobeats for Overlooking Dancehall Roots and Lacking Conscious Message
Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall icon Buju Banton has sparked a conversation about Afrobeats’ global rise, criticizing the genre for not paying homage to its Caribbean influences. In a recent interview on the Drinking Champs podcast, Banton expressed his views on the success of Afrobeats, suggesting that while the genre is enjoying international acclaim, it lacks the depth and sociopolitical impact seen in the work of older African artists.
Banton contrasted contemporary Afrobeats with the music of pioneers like Fela Kuti, Malian legend Salif Keita, and Senegalese icon Youssou N’Dour, whose work he described as more reflective of the struggles and realities of the African continent. He argued that unlike Reggae, which often documents social and political issues, Afrobeats tends to focus on more commercial themes, neglecting the current political climate in various African countries.
The Jamaican star also criticized Afrobeats and Latin American Reggaeton for not acknowledging their roots in Dancehall and Reggae. He expressed disappointment that Afrobeats artists, despite drawing inspiration from these Caribbean genres, are not collaborating with Jamaican musicians, instead opting to work with artists from other continents.
Banton’s comments have stirred reactions on social media, with some observers disputing his claim that Afrobeats lacks conscious music and questioning his assertion that Nigerian artists do not collaborate with their Jamaican counterparts. The debate highlights ongoing discussions about the influence of Caribbean music on global genres and the importance of honouring cultural origins.
