We should respect Afrobeats, not downgrade it – Bella Shmurda urges Wizkid, others

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Afrobeats sensation, Abiola Akinbiyi, popularly known as Bella Shmurda has urged his colleagues not to downgrade Afrobeats with derogatory remarks.

Burna Boy and Wizkid’s recent comments on Afrobeats, wherein they disowned the genre sparked controversy.

Burna Boy had stated that Afrobeats lacks “substance”, stressing that he does Afrofusion and not Afrobeats.

Wizkid on his part disowned the genre, saying he doesn’t want to be boxed as an Afrobeats artiste.

However, reacting while featuring in the latest episode of the London 90 podcast, Shmurda said Nigerian artists should respect Afrobeats.

He explained that he has been silent on the issue for a long time because he doesn’t want to be caught in the center of the controversy.

He said, “Recently, I heard something, I saw something that made me feel bad. I wanted to tweet but I don’t want to be in a position whereby I have issues with people.

“But for real, We artistes should respect Afrobeats. This is our genre, we can’t downgrade it. No matter your level in the music industry, you can’t downgrade this thing that God has given us.”