Award-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, has issued a heartfelt apology for his past criticisms of the Afrobeats genre, acknowledging that his earlier statements were made during a period of mental distress and misunderstanding of the cultural value of the genre.
The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, sparked widespread outrage in 2023 after claiming that Afrobeats lacks lyrical substance. In the same breath, he disassociated himself from the genre, opting instead to describe his sound as “Afrofusion.” His remarks were seen by many as a direct insult to the musical style that propelled him—and many other African artists—onto the global stage.
However, in a newly released interview with BBC broadcaster Eddie Kadi, Burna Boy took the opportunity to clarify his previous comments and extend an apology to fans, fellow musicians, and the wider African music community.
“I didn’t understand why people wanted my music to be inside one box,” Burna Boy said during the interview. “The way I saw it, if you just put everything into Afrobeats, you’re now comparing Socrates to Kendrick Lamar because they both said two things that rhyme—so they both must be rappers.”
The “Last Last” hitmaker admitted that his resistance to being labeled as an Afrobeats artist stemmed from his desire to carve out a unique identity in a rapidly evolving music landscape. According to him, the choice to call his sound “Afrofusion” was his way of pushing boundaries and expressing the eclectic mix of influences that shaped his artistry.
“When I started out, I didn’t think I fit into the Afrobeats category,” he explained. “So I called it Afrofusion to show that my music is a fusion of many genres—reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, and Afrobeat. But in doing that, I think I misunderstood something important.”
Burna Boy then acknowledged that the genre label “Afrobeats” serves a far greater purpose than he initially realised. He now sees it as a vital umbrella under which all African music can find international recognition and unity.
“I didn’t realise we needed the Afrobeats tag as an umbrella to go anywhere,” he said. “I totally get it now, and I apologise for that confusion. I was in a dark place mentally when I made that statement.”
His apology marks a major shift in tone and perspective, especially considering his previously confrontational stance. In 2023, when his remarks made headlines, he doubled down on his position in multiple interviews, describing much of Afrobeats music as “vibes and no real life experience.” The backlash was swift and harsh, with fellow artists and fans alike calling him out for undermining a genre that not only birthed his career but also unified the continent musically.
Artists such as Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Rema, and Asake have all contributed to Afrobeats’ meteoric rise on the global stage. Many of them, without publicly addressing Burna Boy directly, used their platforms to champion Afrobeats as a genre rich in rhythm, history, and storytelling. Some music critics even suggested that Burna Boy’s previous comments were an attempt to distance himself from the collective growth of African music in favour of an isolated personal brand.
Now, Burna Boy appears ready to embrace a more inclusive and cooperative vision. His recent statement is being interpreted by many as a recognition of the need for African artists to stand together under the banner of Afrobeats to compete globally.
“We need to be united, not divided,” he said. “That’s the only way to move African music forward. Whether you call it Afrobeats, Afropop, Afrofusion—it doesn’t matter as long as we’re all telling our stories and supporting each other.”
The singer’s confession that he was in a “dark place mentally” when he criticized Afrobeats has also sparked conversations about mental health in the music industry. While Burna Boy did not go into detail about his struggles, fans and commentators have praised his vulnerability and willingness to own up to past mistakes.
The timing of this apology is also significant. As Afrobeats continues to dominate global charts and influence mainstream pop culture—from Beyoncé’s collaborations with African artists to international award wins and festival headlining slots—the genre has become more than just a label. It has become a cultural movement that showcases African excellence and creativity to the world.
Burna Boy’s retraction is therefore more than a personal reflection; it is a symbolic moment for the genre itself. It reinforces the importance of collective branding and solidarity among African creatives in an industry that often demands simplified labels for complex art forms.
Reactions from fans have been mixed, with some welcoming Burna Boy’s humility and growth, while others remain skeptical.
“Glad he finally gets it. Afrobeats is bigger than any one artist,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “Too little, too late. You disrespected the culture that fed you.”
Nonetheless, his admission adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about genre, identity, and the power of music to unite. As Burna Boy continues to evolve as an artist, his recognition of Afrobeats’ value signals a potential return to community-focused artistry, rather than individualistic branding.
In his closing remarks during the BBC interview, Burna Boy reiterated his hope for the future of African music.
“We’ve got the whole world listening now. Let’s make sure we’re speaking in one voice—even if we’re using different sounds.”
Whether this will lead to future collaborations with Afrobeats icons or a change in his musical direction remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Burna Boy is back under the umbrella he once stepped out from.
