Wizkid, the acclaimed Nigerian singer recognized for his Grammy award, has opened up about his decision to distance himself from the label of an Afrobeats artist.
Despite facing criticism for his recent social media post renouncing Afrobeats, Wizkid clarified his stance. He emphasized that he creates a diverse range of music, not solely confined to the Afrobeats genre.
Wizkid expressed frustration with the tendency to pigeonhole African artists into specific categories like Afrobeats, limiting their artistic expression. Taking to his Instagram story, Wizkid shared his perspective on the matter.
“U lost people always want someone to educate you. U got your phone Google research sh*t or take a flight and see the world don’t be ignorant and stupid all the time.
“Listen, am I African? Yes! But I do make all sorts of music. Fine music! But I don’t want these labeled just afrobeats. That’s like saying every American artist makes rap. That’s stupid. This is why no matter how good or amazing the music we make be it RnB or whatever other genre, we all get nominated in one Africa category or the other.
“I’ve made songs from different genres of music. Made in Lagos is not an ‘Afrobeats’ album. That’s a fusion of different sounds. Real music!
“The word Afrobeats was made up by y’all to put all we make into one box.
“Fela created Afrobeat!! I make All sorts of music. Fusion of sounds! ‘I’m an artiste’ before anything else. True to my art. Not scared to try shit. Now y’all drink some milk!”
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