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Rema warns Afrobeats is losing originality, sparks heated debate
Nigerian singer Rema has stirred a passionate debate about the future of Afrobeats following his candid remarks on the impact of international collaborations on the genre.
In a viral video, the 24-year-old expressed concern that Afrobeats is being diluted and losing its original essence due to frequent collaborations with international artists. He emphasized the importance of Nigerians reclaiming and safeguarding their sound, stating, “We gotta take our ish back, we gotta own it, we have to protect it.”
Rema highlighted his latest song, “Ozeba,” as an example of a unique sound that sets itself apart and cannot be easily replicated by others.
He underscored the risk of Nigerian music becoming homogenized if efforts aren’t made to maintain its distinctiveness, particularly with beats increasingly resembling those from overseas.
His comments have sparked a lively discourse on social media, with some fans supporting his stance on preserving Afrobeats’ authenticity, while others argue that international collaborations bring valuable exposure and growth to the genre.
As the debate continues, Rema’s remarks have initiated a crucial conversation about the future trajectory of Afrobeats and the importance of Nigerian artists asserting ownership over their musical heritage. This discussion underscores the ongoing evolution and global impact of African music on the world stage.
“Afrobeats was getting boring so I had to switch it up. They will keep applauding & we will be watering it down until some people start winning our Afrobeats awards.”
– Rema pic.twitter.com/uUT422QYIu
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) July 17, 2024