Tems weighs in on Buju Banton’s criticism of Afrobeats

Nigerian award-winning singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has responded to recent comments made by Jamaican reggae legend Buju Banton regarding Afrobeats.

In a thoughtful reply, the Grammy winner explained that Afrobeats, like any other genre, serves a specific purpose for its originators—Nigerians. Tems emphasized that Afrobeats is a form of pop music designed to provide enjoyment, much like pop music from other regions.

She clarified, “Afrobeats is not Reggae, it’s not Rock—it’s for a certain purpose. Considering its origin in Nigeria, it’s meant for a specific experience, and you can join us in enjoying it.”

 

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Buju Banton, during an appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, had described Afrobeats as a movement that fails to reflect the realities of its black audience in Africa. He also criticized Nigerian stars leading the genre’s global rise for not acknowledging the contributions of Jamaican artists.

Banton’s remarks sparked reactions from various artists, including Jamaican dancehall star Spice, who disagreed with his stance, noting that several Afrobeats artists like Burna Boy and Falz produce music with strong sociopolitical themes.

In the same interview, Tems addressed false rumors circulating about her being pregnant by American rapper Future, dismissing them as a wild fabrication. She called it an attempt by gossipers to create the most outrageous story possible.

Tems also discussed her recently released debut album, “Born In The Wild,” which features collaborations with Asake and J Cole, giving fans a deeper look into her artistic evolution.