Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has responded to Jamaican reggae legend Buju Banton’s criticism of Afrobeats, stating that the genre is meant for escapism, not social commentary. In a recent podcast episode, Buju Banton claimed Afrobeats lacks substance and will fade with time.
Tems countered, “I understand where Buju Banton is coming from. Reggae is not Afrobeats, and Afrobeats in Nigeria is specifically for escapism; that’s the purpose of Afrobeats.” She emphasized that Afrobeats serves as a distraction from the harsh realities of life in Nigeria.
This exchange highlights the differences between Afrobeats and reggae, with Tems clarifying the unique role Afrobeats plays in Nigerian culture. The conversation has sparked interest among music enthusiasts, with some agreeing with Tems’ perspective and others supporting Buju Banton’s critique.