Nigerian music sensation and Grammy award-winning artist, Burna Boy, has ignited a debate among netizens with his candid criticism of Afrobeats music. In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the artist expressed his viewpoint on the genre, stating that many Afrobeat musicians lack real-life experiences, resulting in music that he considers devoid of substance.
Burna Boy, known for his unfiltered opinions, described Afrobeat music as entertaining and exciting but lacking in depth due to the absence of genuine life experiences in the artists’ creations. He highlighted the significance of incorporating personal experiences, including struggles and challenges, into musical works to infuse meaning and substance.
During the interview, the self-proclaimed African Giant remarked, “Because of where I am from. The sh*t I have to go through to maneuver and just stay with my crown on my head. (It is harder for people that know you best to love you the most). Because they do not know you best. You just think they do.”
Burna Boy emphasized that many Nigerian musicians, along with the broader African music scene, often produce tracks that lack substance, merely focusing on creating a good time without delving into deeper aspects of life. He expressed his belief that life is a mixture of ups and downs, and artists should be true to their experiences, incorporating them into their musical narratives.
The artist’s statements have sparked a mixture of reactions from fans and netizens. While some applaud his candidness and call for more meaningful music, others feel his comments are dismissive of the contributions of other artists in the industry.