Nigerian music sensation Flavour recently shared his thoughts on the global music scene, emphasizing the need to promote African music in its entirety, not just Afrobeats. During an interview on The Afrobeats Podcast with Adesope, Flavour made it clear that he doesn’t consider himself an Afrobeats artist.
“I am not an Afrobeats artist. I am an African artist,” Flavour stated, underscoring his dedication to a broader representation of African culture through his music.
As Afrobeats continues to gain international acclaim, Flavour pointed out that the genre’s dominance often overshadows the rich diversity of music across the African continent. He expressed concern that the media’s focus on Afrobeats might be neglecting other important genres and artists who contribute to African music’s global appeal.
“Most of the time, the media just talks about Afrobeats. They are not talking about African music. If you talk about African music, you have to talk about Flavour,” he asserted.
Flavour’s career, which spans over two decades, is a testament to his commitment to celebrating African culture through his vibrant fusion of highlife, Igbo traditions, and modern sounds. He highlighted the unique contributions of artists like Asake, who modernizes Fuji music, and himself, who infuses Igbo cultural elements into his work, as examples of the diverse musical landscape in Africa.
Flavour’s dedication to African music is evident in his latest album, African Royalty, released in December 2023. The album, along with his collaborations with African stars like Fally Ipupa and Diamond Platnumz, reflects his commitment to showcasing the richness of African sounds beyond the Afrobeats genre.
You can watch Flavour’s full interview on The Afrobeats Podcast with Adesope below.