Veteran Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has raised concerns about the future of Afrobeats, suggesting that the genre’s defining label may soon lose its relevance if current trends continue.
Ruggedman, who was speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday night, said that he believes the “Afrobeats” tag that has become synonymous with Nigeria’s global sound might soon fade away.
He expressed happiness that Nigerian music is now well-known throughout the world but pointed out that one of the changes he doesn’t like is the caliber of the songs being made.
“The only change that I don’t fancy much is the quality of the music, and not too many of them are giving me what I really respect,” he said.
Ruggedman also discussed the distinction between Afrobeats, the contemporary African pop sound that rules the airwaves today, and Afrobeat, which was pioneered by the late music icon Fela Kuti.
He also bemoaned the demise of rap in Nigerian music, claiming that many musicians have given up on the genre since it is more difficult and costly to promote than Afrobeats.
“Unfortunately, rap has kind of taken a backseat, because people want to do something that gives them money quickly,” he added.
