IANA Blog- September 2024
Blog
Happy September,
For those that did not read the last blog, I gave my opinion on legendary Reggae artist Buju Banton’s critique of Afrobeats music and artists for not being conscious enough and for not speaking about social issues in or the upliftment of Africa.
The link to Buju Banton’s full interview on “Drink Champs” incase you didn’t see it :
Buju Banton On Rastafari, Bob Marley, Overcoming Jail, Iconic Dancehall Career & More | Drink Champs
Buju Banton speaking on Afrobeats music:
https://x.com/MusicConnoisseu/status/1822688618990694588
I decided to ask members of IANA 2nd Gen about the critique of Buju Banton and regarding Afrobeats music and Afrobeats artists speaking on social issues in Africa. We asked IANA 2nd Gen President Chiedu Nwaesei, Vice President Ifeanyi Azul, Jr., Secretary Ogechukwu Nwaesei, Assistant Secretary Onyebuchim Nwaesei, Public Relations Officer Chekwume Ufoegbune and member Banyem Ufoegbune.
What were your thoughts on Buju Banton’s critique of Afrobeats?
Chiedu- I feel that Buju is entitled to his thoughts on how he feels. Afrobeats music has evolved over the years. I believe the music these days is catering to a new generation of listeners. Although there is still a lot of evil in this world and uplifting music would be more effective, you have to bring it back to what type of music sells and will reach a wide range of audiences.
Ifeanyi- I think his critique is partially correct, but there are Reggae artists who make non-Rastafari music…so, he kinda contradicts himself in that aspect…there are Afrobeats artists that make songs about the betterment of Africa.
Buchi- I don’t agree as Africa is a continent with different cultures experiencing different struggles so to make everyone in the continent of Africa the same would be unjust.
Chekwume- Afrobeats is bigger than he realizes. It is bigger for genres like Afrobeats, Dancehall and Reggae to all co-exist instead of taking each other out.
Banyem- I feel his critique on Afrobeats is justified when you see what’s happening today. Sure there are still some artists and songs that will hold the original meaning of why Afrobeats was created. We seem to be losing touch with the original recipe and allowing the money and greed to get to their heads. Instead of keeping it internal, artists are collaborating with artists from other parts of the world, which may cause the meaning of the song to be lesser than what it would be.
I see some comments online that claim that Buju is jealous of Afrobeats artists/music. Do you see it that way?
Chiedu- I don’t think Buju is jealous at all. He is only speaking his truth. People are so sensitive these days. He is just being authentic to what he believes has truly changed in Afrobeats and Reggae music.
Ifeanyi- He seems upset. I haven’t heard enough from him to say it’s jealousy.
Buchi- I don’t think he is jealous, just that he grew up in a different time where music had a specific message and now the people who are listening to the music aren’t going through the same issues as the forefathers.
Chekwume- I think he is nervous that his genre of music will be overlooked and misunderstood by less cultured listeners.
Banyem- I don’t see it that way entirely as it’s justified, but it’s hard to imagine how it would be if Buju received the same attention like Burna Boy gets, he may act completely different.
Buju can’t find an Afrobeats song that can “uplift” us. Can you name an Afrobeats song that can?
Chiedu- “This Year (Blessing)”, it is truly uplifting and portrays the power of God.
Ifeanyi- “African Giant” by Burna Boy.
Buchi- “Golibe” by Flavour.
Chekwume- Personally, I think Burna Boy’s African Giant album is one about triumph and bringing back Nigeria’s glory.
Banyem- I can’t name any Afrobeats song that can “free us,” but I do feel some of these songs, “Ojuelegba” by Wizkid, “Soke” and “Ye,” by Burna Boy, are all songs that even with different meanings help to put Afrobeats to the world and put Africa to a mic being able to deliver whatever message we want.
Do you think there’s a connection between Reggae, Dancehall and Afrobeats music?
Chiedu- Yes, most definitely the beat and rhythm for sure.
Ifeanyi- Absolutely, it’s a connection.
Buchi- Yes, there is definitely a connection as we are the same people and come from similar cultural backgrounds, so the influence is there, where you use a bit of each other’s style.
Chekwume- Absolutely, we’re all interconnected. That’s why we should be elevating one another instead of taking each other down.
Banyem- I think there will always be a connection with those genres of music. The Diaspora war needs to stop because we’re truly all for the same ears.
Buju named artists like Fela Kuti, Lucky Dube and Yossou N’Dior as African artists who did make music that were conscious. What do you think of African artists speaking out on social issues in Africa?
Chiedu- I believe that if you have a public platform and can make a positive impact, it’s important to use that platform for good.
Ifeanyi- I think African artists should speak on the issues through music.
Buchi- It’s good for artists to speak on what’s going on in the areas around them to bring awareness, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be their whole persona or what their music is about.
Chekwume- I think it’s true that artists are not as socially conscious as those of our parents’ time, partially because [the artists of the past] fought so artists today can prosper.
Banyem- I believe that’s what artists should be doing with their music. If they have a platform that could reach millions, thousands, even just tons, might as well utilize it to do a righteous message.
Do you have any other African artists outside of Afrobeats that you like listening to?
Chiedu- Love a good old school R&B artist. Boyz II Men.
Ifeanyi- The thing is all African music now is under Afrobeats. 😂😆
Buchi- Most artists I listen to are Afrobeats artists, so I can’t say.
Chekwume- South African Jazz (Sipho Gumede) and African-inspired Jazz (Michael Kiwanuka).
Banyem- I do like listening to other artists outside of Afrobeats like Childish Gambino and Kaytranda.
Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG says that Afrobeats music connects with the whole African diaspora. Do you agree with that statement?
Chiedu- Yes, we are all one. Let’s stop with this division.
Ifeanyi- Yes, I agree with his statement.
Buchi- Yes, Afrobeats brings the energy out of us and connects us through the art of dance and all those of the African diaspora feel that.
Chekwume- Absolutely, Afrobeats is on top and is bringing Africa with it.
Banyem- I do agree with that, it does connect with the whole diaspora as it's open for any artist from any country to make sound. We have different genres from all over, but you can add it all to an Afrobeats song to allow full participation.
Do you have a go-to song you listen to that speaks on the social issues in Africa? It doesn’t have to be Afrobeats, it can be any other genre.
Chiedu- The song “Ghetto Story,” life is hard back home, especially with the dollar depreciating everyday in countries such as Nigeria. The struggle is real.
Ifeanyi- “Chase Dem” by Stephen Marley and “Welcome to Jamrock” by Damian Marley.
Buchi- Not necessarily about social issues in Africa, but “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson definitely gives me the desire to start change, beginning with myself.
Chekwume- “What’s Going On,” by Marvin Gaye. On point then, on point now.
Banyem- “This is Nigeria,” by Falz, and even though it’s about Nigeria, it still reflects issues across the continent.
Those are the responses from our IANA 2nd Gen on Buju’s critique on Afrobeats. All members interviewed had similar answers, whether it be about agreeing or not agreeing with Buju, or how Afrobeats brings the African diaspora together. How do you feel about his critique, if you haven’t seen it yet? Let us know. Also, this message comes from our President Chiedu Nwaesei-
We need to continue to think of the people who are less fortunate. Please continue to support great causes such as IANA. We support people back home in Nigeria with our medical missions. You can donate using our website.
Please donate! Any amount will make a difference. Thank you.
Comments
Post a Comment