Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy has finally offered clarity on his much-criticized remarks about Afrobeats lacking substance.
Speaking during a recent interview on The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi, the Nigerian superstar reflected on his earlier statements, admitting that with the understanding he has now, he would have handled things differently.
Burna Boy explained that his controversial comments stemmed from his long-standing preference to label his sound as Afro-fusion, rather than lumping it under the broader Afrobeats umbrella often used to describe contemporary Nigerian pop music.According to him, Afrobeats as a name never fully captured the depth or diversity of his music.
Fans will recall Burna Boy’s 2023 interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, where he made headlines by declaring that Afrobeats “lacks substance.” The statement sparked widespread backlash across the music industry and among fans.
Reflecting on it now, Burna Boy said, “If I had understood the bigger picture, I would have approached it differently. Why would I want to tear down something I’m helping to build?” He admitted that he initially failed to grasp how important it was for Nigerian artists to rally under a common label like Afrobeats to gain recognition on the global stage.
Burna Boy also shared that his resistance came from a personal place. “I didn’t understand why people wanted to confine my music to just one box,” he explained.
He clarified that when he coined his music as Afro-fusion, it was because he felt there was no existing space for his sound within the local scene, so he created his own.
Understanding the collective power of Afrobeats as a movement, Burna Boy now appreciates why his past remarks stirred strong reactions. “I apologise for the confusion,” he said, acknowledging how his words may have caused unnecessary division.
His comments reflect growth and accountability, providing fans and critics with insight into his evolving perspective on the global success of Nigerian music.
Meanwhile, Burna Boy continues to make history. He recently released his eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness, which boasts collaborations with global icons like Mick Jagger, Travis Scott, and Stromae.
The Port Harcourt-born star is also gearing up for an extensive tour across North America and Europe, where he will headline some of the world’s most prestigious venues.
by queen serem
