Nigerian global superstar Burna Boy has officially addressed and clarified his previous controversial remarks about Afrobeats, admitting his words were misunderstood and stemmed from a desire to carve out his unique musical identity as Afro-fusion.
Appearing on The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi, the Grammy-winning artist reflected on the uproar caused by his 2023 interview on Apple Music’s Zane Lowe Show, where he suggested that Afrobeats lacked lyrical depth—a comment that sparked widespread backlash from fans, critics, and industry insiders.
“I grew up feeling like my sound didn’t have a space,” Burna Boy said. “So I called it Afro-fusion. I wanted to separate myself, not out of disrespect, but because I felt boxed in. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp how powerful the term ‘Afrobeats’ was as a collective identity.”
He continued: “Now I understand—Afrobeats isn’t just a label; it’s a movement. It’s how the world found us. It’s how Nigerian music took flight globally. If I had known that then, I’d have moved differently. I never wanted to tear down what we’re all building. So I apologise for the confusion.”
This rare moment of humility from the Twice As Tall hitmaker marks a significant pivot in his tone—away from division and toward celebration of the genre that has defined a generation.
Burna Boy, who has consistently sold out arenas globally, acknowledged the power of Afrobeats in uniting African voices and showcasing talent to a global audience.
“I now fully respect what Afrobeats means to all of us,” he added. “It’s not just sound—it’s pride, it’s culture, it’s home.”
His remarks signal a renewed commitment to African unity in sound and spirit, as the genre continues to dominate global charts and airwaves. For fans and observers, Burna Boy’s clarification is a moment of growth and alignment with the legacy he’s already helping to shape.
Afrobeats isn’t going anywhere. And now, Burna Boy is walking in step with its purpose.
