Popular Hip Hop artiste, Emeka Akumefule, otherwise called Blaqbonez, has claimed that Wizkid is the person who showcased Afrobeats to the rest of the world.
The ‘Best Rapper in Africa’ rapper said Afrobeats skyrocketed in popularity after Wizkid released the hit song, ‘Essence’ featuring Tems in 2020.
During a recent interview with American outlet KTLA, Blaqbonez said what the song did was to tell the world that the African music genre is something to watch out for.
He said: “Afrobeats took a massive leap when Wizkid dropped Essence and it went craazy. It just told the world Afrobeats is something you really have to watch. Craazy things are happening right now for Afrobeats. More talented artistes are coming up.”
Meanwhile, CorrectNG recalls that Ayodeji Balogun, the singer professionally known as Wizkid recently said he is not an Afrobeats artiste.
The singer stated this while announcing that his next album was complete and ready to be released, adding that he wants the public to not categorise him under the genre.
Wizkid warned fans not to expect an old version or Afrobeats sound on the album which will be titled Morayo, after his late mother.
In a series of online rants, he urged fans who are looking forward to hearing the old Wizkid, to not bother downloading his new project and delete him from their playlist.
Furthermore, the ‘Fever’ crooner warned bloggers and other media outfits not to post his album or report details about it when he finally releases Morayo.
He wrote; “Album done! See you soon btches! And abeg if you like Pakurumo Wizkid, don’t download this new album. In fact, delete me from your playlist and your life! If you like Afrobeats, don’t download my album. I’m not a fcking Afrobeats artiste. I am not Afro anything.”
In related news…
Nigerian street musician, Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed popularly known as Bella Shmurda has beckoned on his colleagues in the music industry to have respect for Afrobeats.
The 28-year-old entertainer subtly called out leading industry acts, Wizkid and Burna Boy for downgrading the genre and urged them to stop such trend.
While featuring in the latest episode of the London 90 podcast, Bella expressed disappointment over their recent comments, and revealed how he prevented himself from commenting on it because he was trying to avoid having enemies in the industry.
He further pleaded with Nigerian artistes to respect rather than downgrade Afrobeats since it is theirs, no matter the level they attain in their respective careers.
Bella Shmurda said; “Recently, I heard something, I saw something that made me feel bad. I wanted to tweet but I don’t want to be in a position whereby I have issues with people.
“But for real, We artistes should respect Afrobeats. This is our genre, we can’t downgrade it. No matter your level in the music industry, you can’t downgrade this thing that God has given us.”
