Buju Banton has faulted Afrobeats artists for focusing more on commercial success than addressing societal issues in their art.
During an interview with Revolt TV, the Jamaican Reggae Legend affirmed reggae genre supremacy and recounted his visit to Africa in the early nineties and how he realized a disconnect between the popular African tune and the prevailing issues in the society.
“I went to Africa in 1991 and spent three weeks educating people in the continent about reggae music. I was happy they came to their senses and realized that music is the bridge that was to connect us. But I was disappointed they connected with everyone else except, the roots [Jamaica]. But when we look at what they are doing, their music is not to free Africa. It’s f***kery.” He said.
He further decried the failure of Afrobeat stars to use their platform and words for the benefit of the continent, saying, “You need to free Africa. If I’m all the way in Jamaica, and my people fight to free your continent, with word, soul, and power, and you have the ability now and you are singing this f***kery. You don’t sing a song to free Africa now? ….bring this to the forefront of their mind and we desire more from them.”
He also called out the artists’ love for commercial success. “You want money, go get it. But what will be said about you later on and your posterity? You didn’t make any impact.”
Buju named Fela Kuti, Lucky Dube, and Salif Keita among other artists whose tunes were inspiring. He said the current generation doesn’t want to go beyond the pale of what the past artists were doing.
