In light of the recent comments made by Reggae icon Buju Banton regarding Afrobeats, which have sparked a wide range of reactions, including significant criticism, Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG has shared his perspective.

The UK-based musician, recognized for his role in popularizing Afrobeats in the West during its formative years, acknowledged some elements of Banton’s critique.

However, he emphasized that many Afrobeats tracks possess a deeper message, as he argued.

Fuse ODG also reminded the legendary artist that Afrobeats is deeply spiritual, often utilizing native languages to foster connections with Africans and individuals of African descent worldwide.

“I get where Buju is coming from because most afrobeat hits do not have the message in it but that is not to say there are no afrobeat artiste with positive messages in their music.

“Afrobeat is so spiritual and most often, we speak in our mother tongue to connect with Africans and people of African descent all across the globe.

“This music is now allowing Africans to fall back, fall in love with themselves, and be proud to be Africans. It is allowing African-Americans to want to come back home. It’s allowing Afro-Caribbeans to come home and connect to their roots,” he added.

During an appearance on the N.O.R.E Drink Champs podcast, Buju Banton made headlines a few days ago when he criticized the Afrobeats genre, highlighting its supposed deficiency in songs that tackle the sociopolitical challenges affecting different areas of the continent, especially in contrast to reggae and dancehall.

“Tell me one Afrobeats song that can uplift us,” Buju challenged N.O.R.E. “Kenya is suffering; young men of Kenya are revolting. South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, you name it. But which of these Afrobeats songs can I relate to for a peace of mind, to tell me that I’m in the struggle, and we are gonna be better in the struggle. And even though it’s hard, we’re gonna overcome? Tell me.” 

The 51-year-old then lashed out against Reggaeton artists, charging them with pillaging from reggae artists without proper acknowledgement. “Listen, a lot of culture vultures out there,” Buju added. “We have sat and we have watched Reggaeton taking Reggae music. You have f**ked with our music so hard and stolen our culture.” 

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