Joeboy Declares Afrobeats Is Returning to “Real Music” at Valentine’s Day Lagos Show
Joeboy electrified fans at his sold-out Valentine’s Day performance in Lagos, using the stage not just to entertain but to make a bold statement about the future of Afrobeats.
Midway through the show, the ‘Faji’ crooner told the audience that the genre is experiencing a “purge,” moving away from diluted sounds and gimmicks toward authentic, soul-stirring music.
“Wack music no longer have a place in the genre. Afrobeats right now is going through a purge. 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,” Joeboy said.
The Nigerian music scene in the early 2020s saw Afrobeats heavily fused with other global genres such as South Africa’s Amapiano, American hip-hop, and R&B. While these collaborations expanded Afrobeats’ global appeal, critics argued that the genre’s original vibrancy and rhythm were being diluted.
By 2024, however, several Nigerian artists began returning to the roots of Afrobeats, focusing on authentic rhythms and melodies that define the genre. Joeboy’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among musicians and fans alike: a desire to reclaim Afrobeats’ original identity while still maintaining its global reach.
Opinion: Afrobeats’ Revival Signals a Creative Rebirth
Joeboy’s declaration is more than a performance statement — it’s a rallying cry for Nigerian music. Afrobeats has always been a reflection of culture, emotion, and storytelling, and returning to its “real” form can only strengthen its global influence.
This movement back to authentic sounds is crucial for the longevity of the genre. While fusions and experimentation are exciting, over-reliance on foreign influences risks eroding what made Afrobeats distinct. By championing genuine rhythms and creativity, artists like Joeboy are not rejecting innovation — they are ensuring that the soul of Nigerian music remains at the core.
Fans may notice that this “purge” won’t happen overnight. It will take time for the industry to fully shift back to its roots. But with popular figures like Joeboy leading the charge, there’s reason for optimism: Afrobeats is poised to reclaim its narrative, proving that while trends come and go, real music endures.
