‘Buju Banton Doesn’t Understand Afrobeats’ – ID Cabasa
Veteran Nigerian music producer ID Cabasa has responded to Jamaican reggae legend Buju Banton’s critical remarks about Afrobeats, asserting that the reggae icon lacks a proper understanding of the genre.
In August, Buju Banton dismissed Afrobeats as “shallow and unsubstantial,” claiming it fails to reflect the struggles of Africa despite its international success. His comments stirred reactions across the music industry.
Speaking at the Denis Joseph Slattery memorial lecture in Lagos on Thursday, Cabasa rejected Banton’s view, suggesting the Jamaican star is unfamiliar with the cultural nuances of Afrobeats.
“Buju Banton does not understand the genre,” Cabasa remarked. “Can he speak our language? No. Nigerians are known for their sarcasm, and if you don’t understand how we tell our stories, it’s easy to miss the depth.”
He went on to highlight the simplicity with which Afrobeats artists communicate their messages, contrasting it with the older generation’s more complex approach. “You listen to artists like Burna Boy, BNXN (formerly known as Buju), Olamide, and Asake. Are you going to tell me there’s no substance in what Asake is doing?”
Cabasa further argued that Banton’s criticism might stem from focusing on the rhythm of the genre rather than appreciating the lyrical content. “Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean it lacks substance,” he added.
Afrobeats has rapidly become one of the world’s most popular music genres, with artists gaining global recognition and reshaping the African music narrative, despite differing opinions like Banton’s.
