Veteran rapper Ruggedman has expressed his discontent with the term "Afrobeats", describing it as a generic label that conceals the lack of talent among some Nigerian musicians.
Ruggedman's comments were made in a recent interview, where he argued that Afrobeats is not a genre but rather a name given to music that lacks a distinct style or quality. He claimed that the term is often used to mask the fact that some artists are not skilled enough to produce music that stands out.
The rapper also accused his peers of accusing him of being jealous of Afrobeats singers when he expressed his opposition to the term.
Ruggedman's views on Afrobeats have sparked a heated debate in the music industry, with some artists defending the term and others agreeing with the rapper's sentiments.
Ruggedman's comments highlight a deeper issue in the Nigerian music industry, where the emphasis on Afrobeats has led to a homogenization of styles and a lack of innovation. By labeling all African music as Afrobeats, we risk stifling the creativity of talented artists who refuse to conform to a predetermined genre. The music industry's obsession with Afrobeats has also led to a proliferation of mediocre artists who rely on the popularity of the genre rather than their own talent. This has serious implications for the quality of music being produced in Nigeria and the reputation of the country's music industry globally.
