Afrobeats vs. Reggae: Buju Banton Criticizes Afrobeats for Not Uplifting Africa

In a candid conversation on the *Drink Champs* podcast with hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, Banton expressed disappointment in Afrobeats artists, claiming they lack depth in their music and fail to convey meaningful messages about Africa's issues.

"Tell me one Afrobeats song that can uplift us… The music is not freeing Africa," Banton declared during the interview. According to the reggae icon, despite the genre's immense commercial success, its content remains largely focused on superficial themes, such as relationships and lifestyle, rather than addressing the pressing political and social struggles faced by Africans.

Banton’s comments come at a time when Afrobeats has skyrocketed in popularity globally, particularly in the U.S. and U.K., where it has often outpaced reggae and dancehall in terms of commercial success. Artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems have achieved international stardom, with Burna Boy’s sold-out Madison Square Garden performances and Rema’s *Calm Down* topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Despite this success, Banton’s remarks have prompted strong reactions. Many critics argue that Afrobeats artists have contributed significantly to Africa’s cultural influence worldwide, even if their music isn’t overtly political. Murray Elias, a music producer who worked with Sean Paul, suggested that the success of Afrobeats stems from its ability to be more commercially viable than contemporary dancehall and reggae, stating, “The Afrobeats artists are better songwriters, better singers, better artists than anything coming out of Jamaica.”

However, not everyone agrees with Banton’s stance. While some critics shared his sentiment, others pointed out that African musicians should not be solely responsible for tackling the continent's deep-seated challenges. A social media user, Ugbaja Austine, noted, “African musicians are not the messiah that’s going to save Africa! Fela did his best, and still nothing has changed. Buju spoke based on what he knows, but no one can fight Africa’s battle if no one else is willing.”

Indeed, the conversation highlights a broader debate about the role of music in addressing societal issues. While reggae has long been associated with political activism and messages of liberation, Afrobeats, a genre born out of Nigeria’s rich musical tradition, has taken a different path, often celebrating life, love, and joy. This contrast in focus has become a point of contention for those who expect more from the artists representing Africa on the world stage.

Banton’s criticism, however, underscores a key question: What is the role of music in times of crisis? With parts of Africa facing economic instability, political turmoil, and humanitarian disasters, some argue that artists should use their platform to speak up for change. "Which one of these Afrobeats songs can I relate to that will uplift me and make me believe that I'm in a struggle, and we're going to be better in the struggle?" Banton asked, challenging Afrobeats artists to rise to the occasion and create music that speaks to Africa’s hardships.

Yet, the debate is far from one-sided. Afrobeats supporters argue that the genre's success has helped elevate African culture on a global scale, providing a platform for African voices in ways that were previously unimaginable. While not all Afrobeats songs focus on political activism, proponents believe that the genre has had a significant positive impact by uniting African communities and breaking down cultural barriers.

As Afrobeats continues to dominate the charts, the dialogue sparked by Banton's comments reflects the ongoing tension between art, commercial success, and social responsibility. Whether Afrobeats artists will respond to Banton’s challenge remains to be seen, but for now, the genre’s influence continues to grow, capturing the hearts of millions around the globe.