Bankulli Fires Back at Paulo Okoye, Rejects ‘Afrobeats Is Dead’ Claim

Grammy-nominated singer and music executive Bankulli has strongly disagreed with celebrity show promoter Paulo Okoye over his recent claim that Afrobeats is "dead or in a coma," describing the statement as misleading and disconnected from the current reality of the music industry.

The debate began after Paulo Okoye expressed concerns on social media about the rising booking fees of Afrobeats stars, arguing that many promoters and corporate brands can no longer afford to hire top Nigerian artistes. According to him, the soaring costs have contributed to what he sees as a decline in the genre's commercial viability.

Bankulli, however, dismissed the assertion in a lengthy Instagram post, insisting that Afrobeats remains vibrant and commercially successful. To support his argument, he shared videos from concerts and events he had been involved in over the past two months, saying they demonstrate that the genre is still attracting massive audiences.

He suggested that the real issue is not the health of Afrobeats but the changing economics of the entertainment industry. According to Bankulli, some promoters may simply be unable to meet the new pricing structure of top performers, but that does not mean the genre is declining.

Bankulli also pointed out that while some artistes may have priced themselves beyond the reach of certain organisers, there are many talented musicians with loyal fan bases who continue to deliver successful shows. He added that the industry is experiencing a natural evolution, with listeners embracing different sounds and sub-genres rather than abandoning Afrobeats altogether.

Opinion

Both Paulo Okoye and Bankulli raise valid points, but they are addressing different challenges. Paulo highlights the financial pressure promoters face in booking elite performers, while Bankulli focuses on the continued global appeal and commercial success of Afrobeats. The genre itself appears far from dead; rather, it is entering a more competitive and mature phase where pricing, audience preferences, and business models are evolving. Success in today's Afrobeats industry may depend less on a handful of expensive superstars and more on a broader ecosystem of emerging and established talents capable of sustaining the genre's global momentum.