Popular Nigerian Singer, Yemi Alade has shunned her colleagues who are/have been downplaying the Afrobeats genre.
According to the songstress, it was not wrong for artists to critic Afrobeats especially when they feel it doesn’t define their art, but it was wrong and hypocritical for them to besmirch the genre, as it was a great contributor to every Nigerian artist’s development.
Alade’s social media rant on X (formerly Twitter) is coming against the backdrop of certain Nigerian singers including Davido, Wizkid, Fireboy and Burna Boy denouncing the Afrobeats genre.
These superstar artistes all claimed that they thrashed the genre because all African artistes grouped themselves into Afrobeats regardless of their musical styles.
What They’re Saying:
“I don’t see anything wrong in informing your listeners of the genre of music an artist makes especially when you feel it doesn’t define your art.”
“Just announce your genre in peace. Downplaying the role Afrobeats has played in every artist’s development is hypocrisy.”
Why It Matters:
Yemi Alade’s criticism of her peers for dismissing the Afrobeats genre is rooted in the importance of acknowledging the well-known genre’s significant contribution to Nigerian artists’ growth and success.
Her stance also reflects a broader sentiment swirling the industry at the moment, particularly in response to prominent artists like Davido, Wizkid, Fireboy, and Burna Boy, who have distanced themselves from Afrobeats.
Bottom Line:
In essence, Alade’s criticism serves as a reminder to her fellow artistes that while they may choose to explore different musical genres, it is important to acknowledge and respect the wide influence of Afrobeats in shaping Nigeria’s vibrant music landscape.
