Vybz Kartel on Afrobeats and Dancehall

Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel offered his opinion on the current discussion over the emergence of Afrobeats and its possible influence on Dancehall. The “Fever” singer stated in a recent interview with TMZ that he believes every musical genre has its time to shine.

“From time to time…Dancehall music is shining, then it has a time when it kind of dims a little, then it goes back on high beam. We understand that” When questioned about Afrobeats, he replied “global takeover” with Dancehall ceasing to be “on the forefront.”

His comments come after a recent discussion started by legendary reggae artist Buju Banton, who called Afrobeats “fu-kery” and “shallow and unsubstantial music that lacks content aimed at liberating Africa,” comparing it with Dancehall and Reggae’s deeply ingrained and politically driven ideas. In response to this criticism, Nigerian musician Tems characterized the genre as “escape music” it cheers listeners up and gives them a break. “The climate of Nigeria calls for that type of music. That’s why Nigerians love that music and the world has come to love that music,” The “Free Mind” singer noted.

Additionally, she made the argument that the two genres had different cultural and emotional functions. “We can’t all make the same type of music,” Tems noted.

Queen Of Dancehall Spice just added the following to the discussion, stating “The problem with Buju Banton is that he doesn’t understand that artists are different. So, I think it’s harsh to say a genre is f-ckery, especially one that’s doing very well. We can’t deny it.”

She added to an entertainment media outlet, “There’s a time for everything, and right now people are just raving over Afrobeats because it’s new. But, Dancehall nah go nuh weh; it can neva dead. It’s gonna always be a genre that’s alive. There’s always room for growth, and nothing is wrong with that. We just have to remain consistent, and sooner or later, it aguh come full circle again where everybody is just raving over Dancehall.”

In the TMZ interview, Kartel took a stronger stance with Tems and Spice, concurring that Afrobeats should be viewed as a genre unto itself rather than as a competitor or compared to Dancehall.

The dancehall sensation told TMZ, “Big up, Buju Banton. He’s my favorite deejay by the way, and he’s right about what he said about Afrobeats not being that deep..that kind of revolutionary music.”

He further noted, “But Tems, she explained that it’s escapism music.  It’s fun music, it’s dancing music.  So the point I’m trying to make is every genre has its space, so we can all coexist together.”

Additionally, Kartel emphasized that younger musicians who are still establishing themselves are mostly responsible for the present status of Dancehall.

“Dancehall is now run by the kids,” he noted.  “I would give them some time to find themselves, to come into themselves, and then understand the difference between the local market and the international market.”  

“There are a lot of promising stars in Jamaica.  I don’t have anything bad to say because they’re still growing.”