Nigerian singer Omah Lay has voiced concerns about the future of the Afrobeats genre, warning that it is under threat. Speaking on the Zach Sang Show, the artist lamented that Afrobeats is being diluted to cater to foreign audiences and is becoming overly commercialized.
Omah Lay expressed his worry that the genre, once driven by passion and creativity, is now being compromised by the pursuit of profit. “There is too much money in Afrobeats. Afrobeats artists are just trying to grab the money,” he said, highlighting a shift in priorities among many artists. According to him, this trend is endangering the authenticity of the genre. “I believe people are messing Afrobeats up. I also believe it is becoming very commercial. Right now, I don’t believe Afrobeats is in safe hands,” he added.
Omah Lay’s remarks reflect a growing concern within the music community that the genre, which has gained global recognition in recent years, is losing its essence. As Afrobeats continues to gain international popularity, there is a fear that the pressure to appeal to a broader audience is leading to a watering down of its unique sound and cultural significance.
These concerns are not isolated. Recently, Buju Banton, a prominent Jamaican reggae artist, also criticized the genre, calling it “f*ckery” and suggesting that it lacks substance and staying power. His controversial comments have sparked debates about the integrity of Afrobeats as it continues to evolve on the global stage.
The rise of Afrobeats has undoubtedly brought immense success to many artists, but Omah Lay warnings serves as a reminder of the potential costs of this success. As the genre becomes more lucrative, the challenge will be for artists to maintain the balance between commercial appeal and artistic integrity.
Omah Lay’s candid thoughts on the state of Afrobeats invite a broader conversation about the future of the genre. Will it continue to thrive while staying true to its roots, or will it become another casualty of commercialization? Only time will tell, but for now, Omah Lay gives a call to protect the heart and soul of Afrobeats before it’s too late.
