Dancehall Queen Spice Stands Up for Afrobeats Amid Criticism

Afrobeats continues to shine on the global stage, with Nigerian artists achieving billions of streams, winning prestigious awards, and collaborating with top international stars.

Despite this success, Jamaican dancehall artist Spice has voiced her disagreement with Buju Banton’s recent criticism of Afrobeats.

In a recent interview with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, Spice declared her admiration for Afrobeats and praised Grammy winner Burna Boy.

She said, “I don’t think Afrobeats is nonsense. It’s surprising to hear such criticism. I’m a fan of the genre and appreciate its diversity.”

Spice highlighted that Afrobeats includes artists like 2Baba and Falz, who make meaningful, conscious music. She noted that, just like in Jamaica, Reggae artists produce thought-provoking music while Dancehall artists create lively, party music.

Even though she is known as the Queen of Dancehall, Spice admitted that Afrobeats is currently more popular. Her comments came after Buju Banton accused Afrobeats of failing to reflect the real struggles and issues faced in Africa.

Buju Banton criticized Afrobeats for lacking the sociopolitical impact of music from legends like Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, and Youssou N’dour.

He also claimed that Nigerian stars rarely collaborate with Caribbean artists, despite the influence of Dancehall and Reggae on Afrobeats.