- Joeboy, a popular Nigerian singer, claims Afrobeats is undergoing a revival.
- The genre is moving away from substandard music.
- He emphasizes a return to “authentic music” within Afrobeats.
Popular Nigerian singer Joeboy has stated that Afrobeats is currently experiencing a revival, highlighting that the genre is shedding substandard music.
During his sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Lagos, the ‘Faji’ hitmaker explained that Afrobeats is making a return to “authentic music.”
He emphasized, “Mediocre music no longer belongs in this genre. Afrobeats is going through a cleansing phase. We’re going back to a time when real music lasts no gimmicks, no shortcuts. I can feel it, and I’m thrilled that we’re returning to a place where the music truly speaks. I thank God for that.”
At the start of the 2020s, the Nigerian music scene witnessed Afrobeats blending heavily with other genres, particularly South African Amapiano, American hip-hop, and R&B.
Critics argued that this fusion, often aimed at reaching global audiences, diluted the essence of Afrobeats and called for a revival of its original sound.
By 2024, a shift began as some Nigerian artists returned to creating “pure Afrobeats,” reducing the influence of Amapiano in their tracks.
Many fans and music enthusiasts have welcomed this development, though they acknowledge that it may take time for Afrobeats to fully reclaim its classic rhythm and feel.
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