Burna Boy Sets the Record Straight: Afrofusion” Was Never a Rejection of Afrobeats

Grammy-Winning Star Explains Past Comments, Embraces Unity in African Music Scene

After years of speculation and debate, Burna Boy has finally clarified his controversial remarks about not making “Afrobeats” music—and his explanation may surprise fans. In a candid podcast interview, the African Giant revealed that his insistence on calling his sound “Afrofusion” was never meant as a slight to the genre, but rather a fight for creative identity.

“I Had to Create My Own Lane”
Reflecting on his early career in Nigeria, Burna explained that his unique blend of sounds didn’t fit neatly into existing categories. “When I started, I called it Afrofusion because there was no proper space for what I was creating,” he shared. “I wasn’t rejecting Afrobeats—I was trying to define something new.”

His stance, however, led to tension as Afrobeats grew into a global phenomenon. The singer admitted to frustration when all African music began being lumped under one label: “It felt like they were ignoring the distinct sound I worked so hard to build. Saying I don’t do Afrobeats was my way of pushing back against being boxed in.”

A Change of Perspective
With time, Burna says he’s come to appreciate the bigger picture. Drawing a powerful comparison, he noted, “It’s like calling Kendrick Lamar and Socrates the same thing just because they rhyme. But for us to break through globally, we needed that unified identity first—just like hip-hop needed its moment before subgenres emerged.”

The Grammy winner ended on a conciliatory note, acknowledging how his past comments may have caused division: “I get it now. I apologize for any misunderstanding. We’re stronger together—the umbrella term matters more than I realized.”

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The revelation offers closure to a long-running debate while highlighting the delicate balance between artistic individuality and collective cultural momentum. As Afrobeats continues its global takeover, Burna’s journey serves as a reminder that even stars sometimes need time to see the full scope of their impact.

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