ID Cabasa, the Nigerian music producer, has dismissed the Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton’s deprecatory view of Afrobeats.
Last month, Banton, who is one of the well-regarded artistes in Jamaican music, described Afrobeats as a “shallow and unsubstantial music genre”.
The 51-year-old, born Mark Anthony Myrie, argued that despite its global recognition, the genre does not spotlight the struggles of Africa, unlike the politically charged and culturally rooted messages of Reggae and Dancehall.
Earlier this month, Tems, the Grammy winner, also stressed that Afrobeats is meant for “vibes and enjoyment”, adding that “the climate of Nigeria calls for it”.
In a chat with TheCable Lifestyle and Nigerian Guardian, Cabasa, 49, addressed Banton’s criticism of Afrobeats, suggesting the Jamaican “lacks understanding of the genre’s language and style”.
The music executive highlighted the genre’s depth and substance, citing the quality of music from artistes like Burna Boy, BNXN, Olamide, and Asake.
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