Buju Banton Critiques Afrobeats Genre

Reggae legend Buju Banton has voiced strong criticism of the Afrobeats genre, claiming it lacks the inspirational qualities necessary to uplift Africans amidst their struggles. During an appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, he challenged listeners to identify an Afrobeats song that offers hope, citing the dire situations in countries like Kenya and South Africa. Banton emphasized that reggae music has historically served as a voice for the disenfranchised, while he perceives Afrobeats as disconnected from the realities faced by its audience. He lamented that many Afrobeats artists have not adequately acknowledged their Caribbean roots and have failed to collaborate with Jamaican artists. The discussion has sparked reactions online, with some defending Afrobeats by citing songs like Burna Boy's 'Common Person' as uplifting. Banton's comments highlight a broader debate on the cultural impact of different music genres and their responsibilities towards societal issues.