Nigerian singer Joeboy has declared that Afrobeats is currently undergoing a renaissance, emphasizing that the genre is being purged of adulterated sounds and returning to its authentic roots.
The 'Faji' crooner made the assertion midway into his performance at his sold-out Valentine's Day show in Lagos, where he addressed the evolutionary trajectory of Nigeria's dominant music genre.
"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," Joeboy told the enthusiastic crowd.
He expressed optimism about the direction of the genre, adding: "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."
The artist's comments reflect a growing sentiment within Nigeria's music industry and among its fanbase. At the beginning of the 2020s decade, the Nigerian music scene witnessed a heavy fusion of Afrobeats with other genres, particularly South Africa's Amapiano, as well as American hip-hop and R&B.
This fusion, while commercially successful and instrumental in projecting Nigerian music onto the global stage, drew criticism from purists who called for a return to "original Afrobeats." Critics argued that blending foreign genres to cater to international audiences had diluted the essence of the sound.
The tide began turning in 2024 when several Nigerian artists started gravitating back toward creating "real Afrobeats," significantly reducing the infusion of Amapiano elements in their productions. This shift has been welcomed by music enthusiasts who view it as a positive development for the genre's identity.
Many Nigerian music buffs have hailed this movement as a step in the right direction, though they acknowledge that fully recovering Afrobeats' original rhythm will take time. Industry observers note that the current "purge" represents a maturation of the genre, allowing artists to experiment while maintaining core elements.
Joeboy's declaration at his Valentine's show resonated strongly with fans who have longed for a return to authenticity. The sold-out attendance itself testified to his enduring popularity and the audience's appetite for his brand of music.
As Afrobeats continues to evolve, the balance between global appeal and authentic representation remains a central conversation. For Joeboy, the current trajectory signals a positive shift where "wack music" no longer has a place, and substance triumphs over gimmicks.
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