In a recent public statement, Nigerian music sensation, Divine Okubor, known professionally as Rema, passionately voiced his concerns over the dilution of Afrobeats due to international collaborations. His commentary comes at a crucial time as the genre gains global traction.
Rema’s discourse on Afrobeats’ authenticity was captured in a widely circulated video, where he criticized the oversimplification of the music to appeal to international audiences. The artist celebrated for his dynamic approach to Afrobeats, emphasized the need to preserve the genre’s core characteristics that distinguish it from other music forms.
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In his latest album, HEIS, Rema introduces a fresh sound, moving away from repetitive themes prevalent in recent tracks within the industry. He explained, “Afrobeats had a distinct vibe in earlier years like 2010 and 2015. We need to reclaim and protect that essence because as we simplify our music to make it palatable internationally, it becomes easier for others to replicate and eventually take over.”
Rema highlighted the unintended consequences of “watering down” Afrobeats—making it susceptible to appropriation and loss of originality. His new hit, “Ozeba,” exemplifies his commitment to creating music that remains true to its roots and challenging for others outside the culture to mimic.
“By retaining the complexity of our sounds, we safeguard our cultural footprint in the global music scene,” Rema stated. He warned against the homogenization of beats and melodies that could lead international producers and songwriters to dominate a genre that originated in Africa.
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The artist’s remarks also serve as a call to action for Nigerian producers and musicians to innovate within the genre and resist external pressures to conform to mainstream expectations. This approach not only strengthens the identity of Afrobeats but also ensures its growth and sustainability as a distinctive form of artistic expression.
