Popular Nigerian singer Joeboy has declared that Afrobeats is currently experiencing a renaissance, noting that the genre is being cleansed of what he described as adulterated sounds. Continue Reading Original..
The music star made the remarks during his sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Lagos, where he addressed fans midway through his energetic performance. The ‘Faji’ crooner expressed optimism about the direction of the industry, stating that Afrobeats is gradually returning to what he called “real music.”
According to him, substandard songs no longer have a place in the genre as artists and listeners alike are embracing authenticity over gimmicks.
“Afrobeats right now is going through a purge. We are getting back to the times where real music is going to stay – no more gimmicking and all of that,” he said.
Joeboy added that he can already sense the shift within the industry and expressed gratitude for what he sees as a positive transformation.
“I can feel it already and I am happy that we are getting back to those zones where the music speaks. I thank God for that,” he stated.
Recalls that at the start of the 2020s, the Nigerian music scene witnessed a significant fusion of Afrobeats with other global genres, particularly South Africa’s Amapiano, as well as American hip-hop and R&B.
The trend sparked debates among critics and music enthusiasts, many of whom called for a return to “original Afrobeats.” They argued that excessive blending with foreign sounds—often aimed at capturing international audiences—had diluted the core essence of the genre.
However, signs of change began to emerge in 2024, when several Nigerian artists started prioritizing traditional Afrobeats rhythms and reducing the heavy incorporation of Amapiano elements in their productions.
While many fans have welcomed this development as a step in the right direction, they also acknowledge that restoring Afrobeats to its foundational sound may take time.
