What did Buju Banton say about Afrobeats and Reggaeton? Singer criticizes artists for not paying homage to Jamaican music

51-year-old Jamaican singer Buju Banton appeared on the Sunday episode of the Drink Champs podcast. In the episode, Buju shared his views on Afrobeats music, claiming that the artists never paid enough homage to Jamaican music. The singer further claimed that according to him, Afrobeats didn't have good substance and also lacked an inspirational angle in it.

Buju then asked N.O.R.E. about any Afrobeats track that was motivational in nature.

"Kenya is suffering; young men of Kenya are revolting... But which of these Afrobeats songs can I relate to for a peace of mind, to tell me that I’m in the struggle, and we are gonna be better in the struggle... Tell me."

He then spoke about Reggaeton music too, in the podcast episode. According to Buju Banton, the artists of this genre "stole" Jamaican culture and heritage. He further claimed that Reggaeton had been stolen from the concept of Reggae music. Buju had, however, claimed that he was not referring to any particular artist in the interview.

The Jamaican singer continued criticizing Afrobeats music, and said,

"This is the King’s music. Your music hall come and go, because it has nothing to do with soul; it has nothing to do with building energy."

Buju had further received some strong opposition from several netizens who didn't agree with his perspective about the genres.

While one named Afrobeats songs which were "uplifting" in nature, another user claimed that Reggaeton had always paid homage to Jamaican heritage.

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More about Buju Banton's interview on the Drink Champs podcast episode

Buju Banton didn't just bash Reggaeton and Afrobeats music in the latest episode of the podcast. He shed light on various other topics including his first impression of hip-hop, his upcoming project, the importance of Reggae music, and a lot more.

Buju had placed an extreme opinion on Afrobeats music. According to him, this genre wasn't freeing Africa. In the podcast, the singer argued,

"The music needs to free Africa . If I am all the way in Jamaica and my country and my people fight to free your continent with word, sound and power, and you have the ability now, and all your singing is - Expletive- you don't sing a song to free Africa now."

At some other point in the episode, he revealed that he developed a likeness to rap in his teenage years. Buju shared that he first came across hip-hop after a friend received a boombox as a gift, which they used to listen to rap music. He further explained his belief that this genre was quite influential.

Buju further spoke about his upcoming project. While he didn't give up the name or any specific information about the track, he confirmed that it belonged to the dancehall genre. In the podcast, he further continued:

"I haven't given the masses dancehall music since I came home. And you know, they need it."

Buju Banton shared the significance of Reggae music and described the genre as "international music" which had lyrics that people could resonate with.

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Mark Anthony Myrie, also known as Buju Banton, was born in 1973 in Jamaica. He is mostly known for being a dancehall, reggae, and ragga singer. He has collaborated with popular artists including Bob Marley. While he had been making music for a long time, he gained fame with the release of Stamina Daddy and Mr. Mention.

Banton's 2010 studio album Before The Dawn won the Grammy award in the Best Reggae Album category. Several of his other albums like Friends For Life, Rasta Got Soul, and Upside Down 2020 had been nominated for the Grammys under the same category.