“No Substance”: Burna Boy apologises for controversial statement about Afrobeats
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Burna Boy clarifies past remarks on Afrobeats, saying his comments were misunderstood and made during a difficult period.
“No Substance”: Burna Boy Apologises for Controversial Statement About Afrobeats
Clarifying the Controversy
Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has issued an apology and clarification regarding his widely criticised 2023 remarks in which he distanced himself from Afrobeats and called the genre lacking in substance. Speaking in a new interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Eddie Kadi, Burna Boy acknowledged that his previous statements were misunderstood and expressed regret for the confusion they caused.
Afrofusion Identity
In the 1Xtra interview, Burna Boy explained that his comments were rooted in his identity as an Afrofusion artist. He reflected on the early days of his music career in Nigeria, where he felt out of place in the mainstream music scene. “I am mixing all these elements and having an African base. I couldn’t understand why everyone wanted to put me in a box,” he said.
A Broader Musical Spectrum
Known for blending Afrobeats, hip hop, reggae, and R&B, Burna Boy has always resisted narrow categorisation. Using a metaphor to explain his point, he said: “The way I saw it, if you just put everything into Afrobeats, you’re now comparing Socrates to Kendrick Lamar because they both said two things that rhyme, so they both must be rappers.”
Backlash and Reflection
Burna Boy faced backlash in August 2023 after an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, where he said that 90% of Afrobeats artists “have no real-life experiences” and that their music lacked depth. He now says that comment came from a difficult personal moment. “It was said whilst I was in a dark place mentally,” he admitted.
Embracing the Afrobeats Label
Despite initially resisting the Afrobeats label, Burna Boy says the controversy taught him the value of collective identity for African music. “Today, I am content to wear the Afrobeats label,” he said. “I get it and I apologise for that confusion.”
New Album and Continued Success
Burna Boy spoke to 1Xtra in connection with the release of his new album, No Sign of Weakness, which dropped on July 11. The album features the hit single Don’t Let Me Drown, which is part of the official soundtrack for F1, one of this summer’s major blockbuster films.
Global Recognition and Influence
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, continues to be one of the most influential artists from Africa. In 2023, he became the first African artist to headline a stadium concert in the UK, reinforcing his global appeal and pioneering status in African contemporary music.
A Lesson in Growth and Perspective
The apology marks a moment of growth for the artist, who acknowledges the impact his words have had on fans and fellow musicians. Burna Boy’s willingness to reflect on his statements publicly has reignited conversations around identity, genre, and representation in African music.
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