In a recent interview, Nigerian singer Tems responded to Grammy-winning reggae superstar Buju Banton’s criticisms of Afrobeats music, where the Jamaican artist labeled the genre as shallow and lacking substance.
On the U.K.’s Kick Game YouTube channel’s Shopping for Sneakers show, the half-Jamaican host Craig Mitch said he disagreed with Buju’s critique of Afrobeats, referencing what Buju Banton said in the Drink Champs interview.
Tems acknowledged Buju’s stature, first stating that she respected Buju Banton’s music: “I really respect Buju Banton as an artist, and I understand where he is coming from, but reggae is not Afrobeats. Afrobeats in Nigeria is specifically for escapism, specifically for dancing, specifically for vibes. It is made for that purpose.”
The “Higher” singer defended Afrobeats by saying that different music genres serve different purposes, and Afrobeats is specifically created for dancing and good vibes. “Afrobeats is made to bring you alive, to forget about your worries, and to just enjoy. The climate of Nigeria calls for that type of music; that’s why Nigerians love it, and the world has come to love it too. But that doesn’t change the purpose of the music. Afrobeats is not reggae, and reggae is not Afrobeats,” Tems said.
She further argued that not all music needs to carry a political message, likening Afrobeats to other genres like R&B and Jazz, which also have distinct purposes.
Buju’s critique highlights his concern that African music should play a role in liberating the continent, urging artists to consider their legacy beyond financial success. You don’t sing a song to fee Africa now…we desire more from them, you want the money go get it but whats gonna ay about you later on and you posterity. You didn’t make any impact,” Buju said.
Buju had contrasted Afrobeats with the politically charged messages of Reggae and expressed disappointment that contemporary African artists are not using their music to address social and political issues as legends like Fela Kuti did. “You don’t sing a song to free Africa all now.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Nigerian artist Burna Boy, who criticized the lack of depth in many Afrobeats songs.
Watch Tems full interview below:
