Nigerian singer Joeboy has stated that Afrobeats is currently experiencing a purification phase, moving away from adulterated productions and returning to what he describes as “real music.” The artist, known for hits like “Faji,” made the remarks during his sold-out Valentine’s Day performance in Lagos.
According to Joeboy, the genre is actively discarding short-term trends and superficial content. “Afrobeats right now is going through a purge,” he said. “We are getting back to the times where real music is going to stay—no more gimmicking and all of that. I can feel it already and I am happy that we are getting back to those zones where the music speaks.”
This commentary taps into a broader discourse within Nigeria’s music sector. During the early 2020s, the dominant Afrobeats sound frequently fused with external genres, most notably South Africa’s Amapiano, as well as American hip-hop and R&B. While this strategy expanded the genre’s global reach, some critics and purists argued that such fusions diluted Afrobeats’ foundational rhythmic and melodic characteristics, calling for a return to a more organic sound.
A notable shift emerged in 2024, as several prominent Nigerian artists began releasing tracks with a reduced emphasis on Amapiano influences, instead prioritizing traditional Afrobeats instrumentation and songwriting. Industry observers note this as a conscious pivot toward the genre’s core elements.
Music analysts and fans have generally welcomed this development, viewing it as a necessary correction. However, they also caution that a full restoration of the genre’s original rhythmic complexity and widespread adoption of the “purified” style will require sustained effort and time.
Joeboy’s public identification of this trend underscores a perceived industry-wide maturation. The move suggests a strategic balance is being sought between global appeal and preserving the authentic sonic identity that originally propelled Afrobeats to international prominence. The long-term impact on the genre’s evolution and its global market position remains a focal point for industry stakeholders.
