Legendary reggae artist Buju Banton has shared his strong opinions on the state of contemporary Afrobeat and Reggaeton music, accusing both genres of lacking cultural substance and failing to uplift African communities.
In a passionate address, Banton expressed disappointment in the direction Afrobeat has taken, lamenting that the genre, which originates from Africa, has strayed from its potential to inspire and bring about meaningful change.
Banton’s criticism was particularly pointed towards Reggaeton, a genre he claims has appropriated elements of reggae without paying proper respect to its roots.
“We have sat and watched reggaeton, taking reggaeton music. They dealt with our music so hard and have stolen our culture. I’m not knocking nobody, but you don’t give us no respect,” he said.
The Jamaican artist did not hold back in questioning the impact of modern Afrobeat songs, challenging the genre’s ability to resonate with the struggles faced by African nations.
“Tell me one Afrobeat song that can uplift us. Uplift us, take us from… Kenya is suffering.
People of, young men of Kenya are revolting. South Africa is on a… Sudan, South Sudan, you name it,” he stated, emphasizing that contemporary Afrobeat lacks the soul and revolutionary spirit that once defined African music icons like Fela Kuti and Lucky Dube.
Banton reminisced about his own experiences in Africa, recalling his time in Kenya in 1991, where he spent weeks educating students on reggae music and dancehall.
He expressed his disappointment that despite this effort, Afrobeat artists have failed to connect with Jamaica and reggae’s roots, instead aligning themselves with other influences.
“They connected with everyone else except us. But when we look at what they’re doing, their music is not free in Africa,” he said.
The reggae star also highlighted the power of music to drive social change, contrasting the uplifting and time-marking nature of reggae with what he views as the superficiality of current Afrobeat and Reggaeton.
“Reggae music still stands predominant. It is still the king’s music,” Banton declared, asserting that reggae’s connection to African culture and its ability to mark important life moments makes it timeless.
