Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has offered an apology and clarification over his past criticism of Afrobeats, admitting he misunderstood the genre’s significance.
Speaking on The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi, the artist explained that his earlier remarks were not meant to discredit Afrobeats, but rather to distinguish his unique sound, which he calls Afro-fusion.
“I described my music as Afro-fusion because it felt like there was no space for it back home, so I had to carve my own niche.
“I didn’t understand then why everyone wanted my music in a single box. I didn’t know we needed an umbrella term to take our music forward globally. If I had understood that, I would’ve approached it differently,” Burna Boy said.
The singer drew criticism last year after a statement on Apple Music’s Zane Lowe Show, where he suggested Afrobeats lacked lyrical depth.
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The comment triggered widespread backlash on social media and among fans.
Burna Boy now says his words were misinterpreted and came from a narrow understanding of the genre’s broader cultural impact.
“Why would I want to destroy what I’m building? I apologise for the confusion,” he said.
Reflecting on the genre’s role, Burna Boy acknowledged Afrobeats as a unifying force that has helped spotlight African music globally.
“I realise the role Afrobeats has played in putting all of us on the map. I respect that now more than ever,” he said.