In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe in New York, Damini Ogulu, the renowned Nigerian singer known as Burna Boy, did not mince words when he expressed his thoughts on the state of the Afrobeats genre. The African Giant asserted that Afrobeats, the genre that has gained immense popularity worldwide, lacks lyrical substance and is often devoid of meaningful content.
Burna Boy, who clinched a Grammy award for his exceptional music talent, lamented, “90 per cent of them have no real-life experiences, which is why most of Nigerian music or African music, or Afrobeats as people call it, is mostly about nothing, literally nothing. There is no substance to it—like, nobody is talking about anything in it. It is just a great time. It’s an amazing time. But at the end of the day, life is not an amazing time.”
This candid critique from Burna Boy reflects his belief that music should be a reflection of an artist’s life experiences, including the ups and downs. He emphasized that an artist is not just about having a good time; they go through the complexities of life, including challenges and personal growth. Burna Boy intends to use his upcoming project to provide a window for his fans to gain insight into these experiences.
Burna Boy’s perspective on the genre is not new. He has consistently maintained that his music falls under “Afrofusion,” which is a fusion of various musical styles, including Afrobeat, hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and dancehall. This classification highlights his commitment to creating music that transcends conventional boundaries and incorporates a wide range of influences and themes.
The critique offered by Burna Boy sparks an important conversation about the direction and purpose of contemporary music, especially within the Afrobeats genre. While Afrobeats has undeniably created a global dance sensation and celebratory atmosphere, some argue that it should also delve deeper into storytelling and social commentary.
Burna Boy’s call for more substantial lyrics and meaningful content in music resonates with artists and fans who seek to explore the multifaceted nature of life through their favorite tunes. As the artist prepares to release his next project, fans eagerly anticipate whether it will indeed serve as a window into his rich tapestry of experiences, adding depth and substance to the music landscape.
