Tems Stands Up for Afrobeats After Buju Banton’s Criticism

Nigerian star Tems has stepped into the spotlight to address the ongoing debate sparked by reggae legend Buju Banton’s critique of the Afrobeats genre.

On a recent episode of a podcast, Banton criticized Afrobeats, claiming it lacks depth and cultural respect. He suggested that the genre has overlooked the contributions of reggae and dancehall.

Tems, a leading voice in the Afrobeats movement, responded during her appearance on the “Shopping The Sneakers” podcast. She acknowledged Banton’s views but emphasized that Afrobeats serves a different purpose.

“Reggae is not Afrobeats, and Afrobeats in Nigeria is specifically for escapism, for vibe… that’s the purpose of Afrobeats,” she said.

Her comments aimed to clarify that Afrobeats is not intended to compete with or replace reggae but offers its unique vibe and cultural context.

Tems’ defence highlights how Afrobeats has evolved as a genre focused on creating joy and providing a musical escape for its listeners.

The genre has seen a surge in global popularity, and Tems’ response underscores its significance and authenticity.

The exchange between Tems and Banton has ignited a broader discussion about cultural exchange and appropriation in music.

As Afrobeats continues to make waves internationally, conversations like this one are crucial in understanding its role and impact on the global music scene.

In addition to Tems’ thoughtful rebuttal, fans and fellow artists have also weighed in, sharing their support for Afrobeats and its contributions to the world of music.

The ongoing dialogue reflects the genre’s growing influence and the evolving nature of musical genres in a globalized world.