Wizkid Accused of Clout-Chasing After Disassociating Himself from Afrobeats
Wizkid sparked controversy recently after posting on his Instagram story, announcing the completion of his upcoming album ‘Morayo,’ named in honor of his late mother. However, his subsequent statements distancing himself from the Afrobeats genre ignited a firestorm of debate, with many accusing him of clout-chasing.
During a discussion on Pulse Hot Take, guests Obong Roviel and Basito dissected Wizkid’s remarks, with Roviel labeling them as a ploy for attention akin to Burna Boy’s controversial statements before the release of his last album.
Roviel dismissed Wizkid’s claim of being boxed in by Afrobeats, arguing that the genre doesn’t restrict artists’ creativity, drawing parallels with Drake’s diverse musical output despite being primarily a rapper.
In contrast, Basito, a staunch Wizkid supporter, contended that the Afrobeats label limits African artists’ opportunities in international awards, advocating for broader recognition across different categories.
However, commentators in the Afrobeats community have refuted claims of artists being boxed in, pointing to instances where Nigerian musicians have been nominated and awarded in non-Afrobeats categories, such as Wizkid winning in the R&B category at the BET Awards.
The debate underscores the complexity of genre classification and its impact on artists’ recognition and opportunities on both local and international stages.
