Nigeria: Seun Kuti weighs in on Afrobeats: A title, not a genre
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has sparked a conversation about the nature of Afrobeats, arguing that it’s more of a “title” than a genre of music. In a recent interview with The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos, Kuti explained that Afrobeats is often used as a broad term to identify music from Africa, rather than a specific genre.
“I think Afrobeats is more of a title than a genre,” Kuti stated. “You can see Amapiano is the new Afrobeats. It’s the new title, it’s the new thing in Afrobeats.” Kuti believes that even industry gatekeepers and big names don’t treat Afrobeats like a genre, instead allowing artists to experiment with various styles.
Kuti pointed out that Afrobeats artists often blend different styles, from dancehall to Nigerian pop, and jump on trending sounds like Amapiano. This eclecticism, he argues, further supports the idea that Afrobeats is more of a title than a genre.
The debate around Afrobeats’ definition has been ongoing, with some artists and industry experts weighing in on its significance and scope. As the genre continues to evolve, Seun Kuti’s perspective offers a thought-provoking insight into the nature of Afrobeats.
