Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, has publicly retracted his earlier criticism of Afrobeats, offering an apology and clarifying that his controversial remarks were never meant to undermine the genre.
Burna Boy explained that his past comments stemmed from a desire to distinguish his sound, not discredit 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. I didn’t understand 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.”
Burna Boy
The singer had drawn criticism in 2023 during an appearance on Apple Music’s Zane Lowe Show, where he stated that Afrobeats lacked lyrical substance.
The statement sparked widespread backlash from fans and industry insiders alike, many accusing him of disrespecting the very genre that propelled African music to the global stage.
Burna Boy admitted those comments were made from a place of limited understanding and were misinterpreted. “Why would I want to destroy what I’m building?” he asked. “I apologise for the confusion.”
He further acknowledged the unifying power of Afrobeats, describing it as a vital vehicle that has elevated African music internationally.
“I realise the role Afrobeats has played in putting all of us on the map. I respect that now more than ever.”
Burna Boy
The artist’s renewed stance signals a commitment to unity within the African music community and a deeper appreciation for the genre that continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Burna Boy’s explanation offers clarity on the reason behind his infamous statement, and his apology is an admirable move to take accountability.
The history-making star recently released his 8th album ‘No Sign of Weakness’, which features notable global stars including Mick Jagger, Travis Scott, and Stromae.
The Port Harcourt-born star is set to go on a tour of North America and Europe, where he will be headlining iconic venues.
Burna Boy Appreciates Fans for Streaming Album
The Afrobeats star appreciated his fans for aggressively streaming his eighth studio album since its release on Friday, July 11.
It can be recalled that the self-acclaimed African Giant, who had been aggressively building anticipation in his fans and music lovers across the globe, ahead of the release of his eighth studio album “No Sign Of Weakness,” took to his Instagram page on Friday, July 11, to reveal that “we’re live,” signalling the official release of his eighth studio album.
Taking to his Instagram page, the “Wonderful” crooner described his fans as “incredible,” sending out love to everyone for the energy on the day of the release of his album. He wrote: ”#NOSIGNOFWEAKNESS out now.”
Meanwhile, the Grammy-winning Nigerian music sensation, Burna Boy, publicly distanced himself from a meme cryptocurrency circulating on social media platforms under his name, warning fans to steer clear of the digital asset.
In a strongly worded message posted on Instagram, the Afro-fusion superstar made it clear that he has no affiliation with any cryptocurrency or digital coin, describing such ventures as fraudulent.
“I don’t do any internet ‘coin’ business. I see it as fraud, and I have no interest in any of that,” Burna Boy stated in an Instagram Story. “So if you see anyone using my name for such, pls disregard or report them.”
The clarification comes amid a recent surge in meme coins and celebrity-linked tokens being promoted across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), often without the knowledge or consent of the stars they exploit.
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