Joeboy Clarifies Wizkid’s Afrobeats Comment – Afropop artist Joeboy has expressed his belief that Wizkid’s recent remarks regarding Afrobeats have been misconstrued and taken out of context by the public.
In a recent public statement, Wizkid, the founder of Starboy Entertainment, declared that he no longer wishes to be associated with or identified as an Afrobeats musician.
This announcement was made on Friday, March 15th, during which Wizkid also revealed that his new album, Morayo, named in honor of his late mother, was complete and set for release.
Wizkid explicitly cautioned his fans against expecting his new album to feature the traditional Afrobeats sound or any elements reminiscent of his earlier works. In a series of candid online posts, he urged fans who were anticipating the return of the “old Wizkid” to refrain from downloading his upcoming project and to remove him from their playlists.
Moreover, the artist, affectionately known as Machala, has gone a step further by advising bloggers and media outlets against posting or reporting on his forthcoming album, Morayo, upon its release.
In his own words, Wizkid stated, “Album done! See you soon b*tches! And abeg if you like Pakurumo Wizkid, don’t download this new album. In fact, delete me from your playlist and your life! If you like Afrobeats, don’t download my album. I’m not a f*cking Afrobeats artiste. I am not Afro anything.”
While Wizkid’s statements have sparked debate and garnered mixed reactions from fans and industry professionals alike, Joeboy emphasizes the importance of understanding the context behind these remarks and believes that they may not accurately represent Wizkid’s true sentiments towards Afrobeats as a genre.
During an episode of Cool FM’s Big Friday Day Show, hosted by Tacha, Joeboy weighed in on the controversy surrounding Wizkid’s recent comments about Afrobeats. Contrary to widespread belief, Joeboy asserted that Wizkid is not distancing himself from Afrobeats. Instead, he wishes to break free from being solely defined by the genre.
Joeboy remarked, “Wizkid’s comments are being misconstrued. He isn’t trying to distance himself from Afrobeats. What we’re emphasizing is that while Afrobeats is a significant part of our identity, we shouldn’t be confined to just one genre. We are capable of exploring and creating other types of music as well.”
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is one of Nigeria’s most prominent and internationally acclaimed music artists. Over the years, he has achieved numerous milestones and garnered significant recognition both locally and on the global stage. Here are some of Wizkid’s notable achievements:
Awards and Recognitions: Wizkid has won several prestigious awards, including multiple BET Awards, MOBO Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and The Headies (Nigeria’s premier music award). He was the first African artist to win a Billboard Music Award for his collaboration with Drake on the hit single “One Dance.”
Grammy Recognition: Wizkid received Grammy nominations for his collaboration with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl” and for his contribution to the global hit “One Dance” with Drake.
International Collaborations: He has collaborated with numerous international artists, including Drake, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Major Lazer, and Akon, which has helped elevate Afrobeats to a global audience.
Sold-out Concerts: Wizkid has headlined several sold-out concerts and music festivals both in Nigeria and internationally, showcasing his immense popularity and drawing large crowds of fans.
Album Releases: He has released several successful albums and EPs, including “Superstar,” “Ayo,” and “Made in Lagos,” which have received critical acclaim and commercial success.
Global Tours: Wizkid has embarked on multiple world tours, performing in various countries across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond, further solidifying his status as a global music icon.
Influence on Afrobeats: As one of the pioneers of the modern Afrobeats movement, Wizkid has played a crucial role in popularizing the genre globally and paving the way for other African artists to gain international recognition.
Philanthropic Efforts: Beyond his musical accomplishments, Wizkid has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, using his platform to give back to the community and support charitable causes in Nigeria and across Africa.
Overall, Wizkid’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of remarkable, and his contributions have significantly impacted the global music landscape, making him a trailblazer and a source of inspiration for aspiring artists worldwide.
