Nigerian music sensation, Davido, has asserted his unique musical identity by labeling his genre as Afrofusion.
In a recent appearance on the Business Untitled Podcast, the acclaimed artist emphasized his stance against being pigeonholed into the broad category of Afrobeats, aligning himself with fellow stars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Fireboy who also resist the label.
Reflecting on the global reception of African music, Davido highlighted the pivotal role played by the United Kingdom in its acceptance outside the continent, noting that the UK was the first to term it Afrobeats before it gained traction in the United States.
Despite the historical association of Afrobeats with the pioneering sound of Fela Kuti, Davido expressed frustration at the indiscriminate application of the label to diverse musical styles emerging from the African continent.
“The UK termed African music Afrobeats,” Davido explained, “But now all African songs are termed Afrobeats.
” He pointed out the tendency to classify African artists regardless of their stylistic variations, whether it be pure R&B reminiscent of SZA or Summer Walker, or rap akin to Drake’s. While acknowledging the necessity of genre classification, Davido advocated for a more nuanced approach that respects the diversity within African music.
“I don’t get offended when we’ve been categorized as Afrobeats,” Davido clarified. “I mean, we need a genre. It could be R&B or Afropop. I call my music Afrofusion.”
However, he expressed reservations about the overemphasis on labeling, emphasizing the arduous journey African music underwent to achieve mainstream recognition.
Davido’s assertion of his musical identity as Afrofusion not only underscores his commitment to artistic authenticity but also reflects a broader conversation within the African music industry about representation and recognition.
As African artists continue to garner international acclaim, their insistence on defining their own narratives and genres serves as a testament to the richness and diversity of the continent’s musical landscape.
