Buju Banton captured significant attention online after his appearance on the N.O.R.E Drink Champs podcast, where he made controversial remarks regarding Afrobeats and Reggaeton.
His statements have sparked a range of reactions, with fellow artist Spice, often referred to as the queen of Dancehall music, openly criticizing his views.
During an Instagram interview with Nigerian media figure Daddy Freeze, Spice was prompted to share her thoughts on Buju Banton’s remarks.
She expressed her admiration for Afrobeats and highlighted several prominent artists in the genre who embody the cultural richness that Buju questioned.
Spice emphasized that different music genres cannot all convey the same themes, reminding Buju that the cultural elements found in Reggae, which often tackle social and political issues, may not be present in other styles.
Nonetheless, she acknowledged having listened to Afrobeats tracks from artists like Burna Boy, Falz, and the iconic 2Face Idibia, noting that their music also carries messages of empowerment, as Buju had mentioned.
“I don’t think Afrobeats is f*ckery. It’s absurd to say that,” she said.
“I am a fan of Afrobeats. I think he [Buju Banton] was speaking from a point that afrobeats don’t do cultural songs and I don’t know that to be true.
“Because I listen to Burna Boy and I know his songs. I know that Burna Boy did a song about EndSars. He also did ‘Monsters You Made’ which is also a cultural song.
“There are other afrobeats artistes like 2Face and Falz who make songs about political issues in Nigeria. So, I feel like there are afrobeats artists that do cultural songs.
“The problem with Buju Banton is that he doesn’t understand that artists are different. So, I think it’s harsh to say a genre is f*ckery, especially one that’s doing very well. We can’t deny it. I’m the queen of dancehall but afrobeats is ruling the world now.”
An irate Banton 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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