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By Oscar Okhifo
Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Burna Boy, has apologised for previously distancing himself from Afrobeats, saying he now understands and appreciates the significance of the genre in promoting African music on a global scale.
The singer, who faced criticism last year after describing Afrobeats as lacking substance, made the apology during a recent interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Eddie Kadi. He admitted that his earlier comments were made during a difficult period in his life and did not reflect his full appreciation of the genre.
“I was in a dark place mentally. At the time, I didn’t understand the importance of the name ‘Afrobeats’ as a movement,” he said. “Now, I totally get it. It’s the only way we have to put all of us under one umbrella. I apologise for how it may have sounded.”
In a 2023 Apple Music interview with Burna Boy sparked controversy when he suggested that most Afrobeats songs lacked depth and real-life experiences.
The statement was met with backlash from fans and fellow artists who felt he was discrediting the genre that has propelled many African musicians to global stardom, including himself.
However, the “City Boys” crooner appears to have reconsidered his stance, noting that his new perspective is reflected in his latest album, No Sign of Weakness, released on July 11.
The project includes Afrobeats influences and collaborations that show his renewed embrace of the genre, including a notable feature with Mick Jagger on the track “Empty Chairs.”
“Even though I’ve always done my own thing musically, I now understand that being part of the Afrobeats family is a privilege. I’ll always be different, and that’s okay. I just have to be the best at it,” he added.
Burna Boy’s change of heart comes amid ongoing conversations within the Nigerian music industry about how artists define themselves and the genre. Industry veterans like Puffy Tee have recently weighed in on why top stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido may have attempted to set themselves apart from Afrobeats, citing pressures to appeal to a global audience while maintaining authenticity.
With his latest comments, Burna Boy has not only extended an olive branch to the Afrobeats community but also reaffirmed his commitment to the movement that played a pivotal role in shaping his rise to fame. Nigeria, unarguably the biggest hub of entertainment and entertainers in Africa has a duty to keep blazing the trail.