Nigerian music sensation Tems has addressed the recent comments made by reggae icon Buju Banton, who criticized Afrobeats for lacking depth. In an interview on The Breakfast Club, Tems shared her thoughts on Banton’s remarks, defending Afrobeats and its cultural significance.
Buju Banton recently described Afrobeats as a genre that fails to reflect the reality of its listeners, especially the black audience in Africa. He also argued that Nigerian artists leading Afrobeats’ global rise haven’t acknowledged Jamaican contributions to music.
Tems, a Grammy-winning star, countered this by explaining that Afrobeats, like other forms of pop music, serves a distinct purpose. “Afrobeats is not Reggae, it’s not Rock. It’s designed to offer enjoyment and reflect the vibrant, feel-good culture of Nigeria,” she explained. She emphasized that Afrobeats should be understood within the context of its Nigerian roots and the role it plays in uplifting listeners.
She further stated, “Afrobeats is created for a specific reason, and just like other music genres, it serves its purpose. You can join in the enjoyment, but understand that it has its own place.”
Buju Banton’s critique sparked a debate among artists, with some, like Jamaican Dancehall star Spice, pointing out that Afrobeats has songs with deep sociopolitical messages, citing Burna Boy and Falz as examples.
In the same interview, Tems also took the opportunity to dismiss a widely circulated rumor about her being pregnant with American rapper Future’s child, calling it “one of the wildest rumors out there.”
The singer concluded by discussing her latest album, Born In The Wild, which features collaborations with Asake and J Cole, and highlights her growth as an artist.
Watch the full interview with Tems on The Breakfast Club below.
