Jamaican dancehall legend, Buju Banton, has accused afrobeats artistes of stealing from Jamaican reggae and dancehall music without crediting their source.
Appearing on the ‘Drink Champs’ podcast co-hosted by N.O.R.E and DJ EFN, Banton claimed that afrobeats music has no substance and would fade with time.
He also berated afrobeats artists for using their music to enriched themselves instead of using the platform to fight for the liberation of the African continent.
“A lot of culture vultures out there. They’ve focused on our music so hard and stolen our culture. I’m not knocking nobody but they don’t give us no respect. And you still expect us to act like we take something from you? This [reggae] is the King’s music. Your music [afrobeats] shall come and go because it has nothing to with soul, building energy. Our music is a time marker. You can remember when you went on your first date, when you got married, when you are happy and when you are sad. Because it’s the King’s music.
“I went to Africa in 1991, I spent three weeks educating people from Ghana and all over the continent about reggae music and dancehall.
“I was happy when they came to their senses to realise that music is the bridge that’s going to connect us. But I was disappointed because they didn’t try to connect with Jamaica, the root. They connected with everyone else except us. I’m talking about afrobeats [artists].
“When you look at what they’re doing their music is not freeing Africa. It’s fuckery. They are supposed to use their music to preach freedom but what they’re singing is fuckery. We desire more from them. If you want the money, go get it. But what’s going to be said about you later on and your posterity? You didn’t make any impact. So reggae music still stands predominant. It’s still the King’s music.”
