Singer Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi, popularly known as Brymo, has strongly criticized the top Afrobeats artists Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, accusing them of being imitators.
He alleged that they have diluted the legacy of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s iconic music genre, Afrobeat, by introducing a similar-sounding genre they labeled “Afrobeats,” simply by adding an “s” to the original genre’s name.
According to Brymo, Fela, known as Abami Eda, put in immense effort and dedication to create Afrobeat, only for these artists to come along, make a slight modification to the genre’s name, and claim to be its pioneers.
Brymo clarified that Fela’s Afrobeat is the authentic and recognizable music genre, while the newly named Afrobeats by the current generation is more of a music style.
He stated, “Afrobeats is a music style, it’s not a genre. Fela’s Afrobeat is the genre.”
Brymo strongly criticized these artists, referring to them as “thieves” who have not recognized the hard work and struggles Fela went through to create Afrobeat.
He further emphasized that the issue of imitation is a significant challenge within the Black community and pointed out that in Black American music circles, similar renaming has occurred over the years with genres like Hip Hop, Rap, and Trap.
Brymo concluded by expressing his concern about the lack of continuity and unity within the music industry, highlighting the need for a more respectful and collaborative approach.