Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has responded to recent criticism from Jamaican reggae legend Buju Banton regarding the substance of Afrobeats. The conversation unfolded during a recent episode of the ‘Shopping the Sneakers’ podcast, where Banton argued that Afrobeats lacks depth and predicted that the genre would eventually fade away.
Banton, an iconic figure in the reggae world, expressed his belief that Afrobeats does not offer the same level of social commentary or substance as reggae music, which has historically been a voice for social justice and change. He suggested that the genre’s appeal might be short-lived due to its perceived lack of depth.
In response, Tems, who has become a prominent voice in the Afrobeats movement, acknowledged Banton’s perspective but offered a different view on the genre’s purpose.
“I understand where Buju Banton is coming from. Reggae is not Afrobeats, and Afrobeats in Nigeria is specifically for escapism; that’s the purpose of Afrobeats,” Tems said during the podcast.
Tems elaborated that Afrobeats provides a much-needed break from the harsh realities of life in Nigeria. Unlike reggae, which often addresses societal issues head-on, Afrobeats is designed to offer listeners an escape—a way to temporarily forget the challenges they face. “Afrobeats is meant to be a reprieve, a moment to breathe and enjoy life amidst all the chaos,” she added.
Tems’ comments reflect the broader cultural significance of Afrobeats in Nigeria, where the genre has become a dominant force in the music industry, not just as a form of entertainment but as a cultural phenomenon that resonates with the everyday experiences of Nigerians.
Tems rose to global prominence after being featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence,” which became a massive hit, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following the release of the remix version with Justin Bieber. Her success has solidified her as one of the leading figures in Afrobeats, a genre that continues to gain international acclaim.
The exchange between Banton and Tems highlights the different cultural roles that music plays in various regions, with each genre offering unique contributions to the global music landscape. While Banton champions reggae’s role in social commentary, Tems defends Afrobeats as a vital outlet for joy and escapism in a world often marked by struggle.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
