Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, has apologised over his past criticism of Afrobeats, clarifying that his controversial remarks were not intended to dismiss the genre but to define his own unique sound.
Speaking during an interview on The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi which started trending on Tuesday, Burna Boy explained that his previous comments stemmed from a desire to carve a niche for his Afro-fusion style rather than undermine Afrobeats.
“I described my music as Afro-fusion because it felt like there was no space for it back home, so I had to carve my own niche,” he explained.
He admitted that his earlier statements, where he claimed Afrobeats lacked lyrical depth, were misinterpreted and made from a place of limited understanding of the genre’s broader significance.
“I didn’t understand then why everyone wanted my music in a single box. I didn’t know we needed an umbrella term to take our music forward globally. If I had understood that, I would’ve approached it differently.”
The singer, who came under fire in 2023 after telling Apple Music’s Zane Lowe that Afrobeats lacked substance, noted that he now fully recognises the genre’s vital role in pushing African music onto the world stage.
He continued, “Why would I want to destroy what I’m building? I apologise for the confusion.”
Burna Boy emphasised a renewed respect for the genre, acknowledging that Afrobeats has been instrumental in placing Nigerian and African music on the global map.
“I realise the role Afrobeats has played in putting all of us on the map. I respect that now more than ever,” he concluded.
