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Afrobeats is shaped by culture & identity rather than just genres – Sarz
Nigerian producer Sarz shared his perspective on how Afrobeats shape music culture. During an appearance on Kiss FM UK alongside Nigerian superstar Lojay, they discussed their views on the “Afrobeats” label.
When asked if he identifies with Afrobeats, Lojay responded affirmatively, stating that he considers himself an Afrobeats artist. He acknowledged the trend of some artists distancing themselves from the label but emphasized that everyone is free to choose how they’re identified.
Offering his insight, Sarz articulated that Afrobeats encompasses more than just musical genres; it reflects the culture and identity of Africans. He emphasized that beyond the sound, Afrobeats is about language, accents, and tones.
Sarz illustrated this by contrasting how placing an American artist on an Afrobeats track wouldn’t classify it as Afrobeats, whereas featuring a Nigerian artist on a pop beat would still retain an Afropop essence. According to Sarz, Afrobeats is about embracing African identity, regardless of the specific musical style.
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Sarz and Lojay, known for their collaborative efforts, released the acclaimed EP ‘LV N ATTN‘ in 2020, featuring the hit single ‘Monalisa.’ Their latest track, ‘Billion,’ has received positive feedback since its release.
Their acceptance of the Afrobeats label reflects a positive trend, especially amidst some artists distancing themselves from it. It reinforces the importance of unity and support for the Afrobeats movement, highlighting its cultural significance beyond just musical genres.