Wizkid: What was Machala thinking denouncing Afrobeats?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Wizkid demeaned the Afrobeats music genre and culture via his Instagram platform a couple of days ago. Ahead of his forthcoming sixth studio album, “Morayo” (which translates to I have found Joy), the renowned singer-songwriter derided the music genre that saw him become one of the most influential figures to emerge from Nigeria and Africa.

Wizkid alongside sensational artistes such as Davido and Burna Boy have been described as the major Afrobeats musicians, however, in a recent years some of these notable artistes are beginning to shrug off the genre that turned them into superstars.

Interestingly, they are making the declaration in what is perceived to be a condescending manner; as he challenged his die-hard fans boycott the upcoming project if they want to listen to his ‘Afrobeats’ version.

• Wizkid claims not be an Afrobeats artiste ahead of new music project
• Wizkid explains why he doesn’t want to identify as an Afrobeats artiste
• Wizkid describes relationship with Burna Boy
• Davido announces Wizkid’s upcoming music project
• Wizkid says ‘he has enough music to retire’

In the concluding part of 2022 and most part of 2023, Burna Boy whose real name is Damini Ogulu mentioned severally that he is an Afro-fusion musician and does not identify as an Afrobeats musician. He stated that Afrobeats lacks substance, hence, he doesn’t want to be categorized with “every other Nigerian artiste”.

Wizkid Follows Suit…

In a series of candid Instastory posts, Wizkid made his position clear: he is not an Afrobeats artist. The genre that once defined him no longer fits. “Album name: ‘Morayo’—the best I ever made,” he asserted. “Don’t call me an Afrobeats artiste. I’m not Afro anything.”

Wizkid’s stern move has sparked passionate debates across social media. Social media users have defended Afrobeats while acknowledging Wizkid’s right to evolve.

It would be interesting to witness how Wizkid’s upcoming music project turns out.