'You're singing nonsense instead of freeing Africa': Buju Banton slams Afrobeats artists

Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton. (Courtesy)

Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton has recently shared his views on the global rise of Afrobeats, discussing its impact and connection to the continent's struggles.

In a recent interview, the Destiny hitmaker sparked controversy when he criticised Afrobeats artists, expressing his reservations about the genre.

"When you look at what they're doing, their music is not freeing Africa," Banton said. "It's nonsense... their music needs to free Africa. If I'm all the way in Jamaica and my country and my people fight to free your continent with word, sound, and power, and you have the ability now and all you're singing is nonsense? You don't sing a song to free Africa now... we desire more from them. You want the money? Go get it, but what's going to be said about you later on? You didn't make any impact," the 51-year-old lashed out.

Buju, who appeared on the Drink Champs podcast, pointed to Kenya as an example, highlighting the recent Gen Z-led protests.

"Tell me one Afrobeats song that can uplift us. Kenya is suffering. The young men of Kenya are revolting... Sudan, South Sudan, you name it. But which one of these songs can I relate to for peace of mind; to tell me that I'm in the struggle and we are going to be better in the struggle, and even though the struggle is hard, we're going to overcome," he said.

The Gargamel music boss told the hosts, N.O.R.E and DJ EFN, that while he was happy to see the growth of Afrobeats, which has seen artists realise that music is the bridge that's going to connect people, he expressed his disappointment that they didn't try to connect with Jamaica, which he considers the roots of the music.

"They connected with everyone else except us," he lamented.

"We want more from them. You want the money? Go and get it! But what is going to be said about you later on and your posterity? You didn't make any impact! So reggae music still stands predominant. It is still the king's music," he added.

Buju Banton's statement has caused a stir among music lovers, with some agreeing with him, while others refuted his assertions.