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- Popular Afrobeat star Seun Kuti shared his hot take on the term Afrobeats used in the Nigerian music industry
- In a recent media interview, the father of one claimed that Afrobeats is a “title” rather than a musical genre
- The Grammy-nominated saxophonist stated that Afrobeats musicians and executives do not consider it a genre
Nigerian renowned Afrobeat singer and instrumentalist Seun Kuti has argued that Afrobeats music is not a genre.
In a recent interview with The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos, Kuti explained that the phrase is generally used to refer to all African music rather than a specific genre.
Credit: @bigbirdkuti
Source: Instagram
He pointed out that many Afrobeats musicians and executives do not approach the genre as a whole, but rather produce varied songs that incorporate a variety of inspirations.
According to Seun, musicians routinely swing between styles such as dancehall, Nigerian pop, and Amapiano without being limited to a single genre, making Afrobeats a catch-all rather than a specific musical genre.
Kuti said, “I think Afrobeats is more of a title than a genre. You can see Amapiano is the new Afrobeats. It’s the new title, it’s the new thing in Afrobeats. So, Afrobeats is just a generalisation; it’s just a title to identify something from a particular place [Africa].
“I don’t think it’s a genre. Even the gatekeepers, the big names, don’t deal with it like a genre; they don’t work it like a genre. They are [Afrobeats] artists that are eclectic in a way that they could do a dancehall track today, do a blue track tomorrow, do a Nigerian pop sound, jump on Amapiano, and whatever is trending. So, I think it’s actually a title,” he stated.
Credit: @bigirdkuti
Source: UGC
Nigerians react to Seun Kuti’s interview
Legit.ng compiled the reactions below:
mc_cain1 said:
“Afrobeats is recognized as a genre, the way “pop” or “EDM” is.”
bash_of_redoc said:
“It’s sha music and we play it,dance to it and enjoy it,😂any name wey una like make una call afrobeat ,we accept😂.”
thebackendbuoysmileforme_dee1 saide:
“Facts bro! I have always thought of it too. 🙌.”
realsaint_003 siad:
He is right. Does afrobeat have a single sound pattern ? Afrobeat isn’t a genre of music, it is modern music of African origin, not necessarily a sound.”
06_by_mayclothing said:
“His boldness ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
fikunademii said:
“Nigerian music today is too diverse to be boxed into one rigid sound. Artists switch styles freely, blending amapiano, pop, dancehall, and hip-hop. Afrobeat as a title works because it gives global identity, but calling it a strict genre ignores the creativity and fusion that define the industry. It’s more of a cultural brand than a fixed musical formula.
vybesjust said:
“Always want to say controversial stuff… before you said it Afrobeat with the s and you don change goal post again .. we sha know say ur papa created Afrobeat sound and we have afrobeats the genre.. full stop.”
oolaaajr said:
“Seun every day you come up with different narratives.”
olamilekan_ab95 said:
“Someone please help me with any amount to get food please 🙏💔🥲may you never lack .. God bless you immensely.”
6keys09 said:
“Na this lunatic come de describe music 🎶 Una country don finish.”
Seun Kuti claims artists launder money
According to a previous report by Legit.ng, Seun Kuti alleged that his colleagues in the Nigerian music industry might be into money laundering.
In a video shared by the artist, he noted that he had been touring for 20 years and still struggling to build a house.
He called on the youths to wake up and see the reality of life and the game many are playing just to survive.
Source: Legit.ng
