Afrobeats No Longer Has Space for Gimmicks – Joeboy

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 Nigerian singer Joeboy has declared that Afrobeats is currently undergoing what he described as a purge, noting that the genre is gradually returning to its authentic roots and placing greater emphasis on quality music over trends and gimmicks.

The ‘Faji’ crooner made the remark midway into his sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Lagos on February 14, 2026. Addressing an energetic crowd, Joeboy said he believes the industry is shifting away from what he termed “adulterated” sounds and moving back to a period where the music itself takes centre stage.

According to him, Afrobeats is experiencing a renaissance, with serious artistes focusing more on substance and originality. 

He told fans that “wack music no longer has a place in the genre,” stressing that the era of relying heavily on gimmicks to gain attention is gradually fading.

“Afrobeats right now is going through a purge,” he said during the performance. “We are getting back to the times where real music is going to stay  no more gimmicking and all of that. I can feel it already and I am happy that we are getting back to those zones where the music speaks. I thank God for that.”

His comments come amid ongoing conversations about the direction of Afrobeats, especially following years of heavy experimentation and cross-genre fusion. 

At the start of the 2020s, many Nigerian artistes blended Afrobeats with other global sounds, particularly South Africa’s Amapiano, as well as American hip-hop and R&B. While the fusion helped expand the genre’s international reach, some critics argued that it watered down the distinct rhythm and identity that originally defined Afrobeats.

The push for a return to what some describe as “original Afrobeats” gained momentum in recent years. Observers noted that from around 2024, a number of Nigerian musicians began toning down the strong Amapiano influence in their productions, opting instead for core Afrobeats elements such as traditional percussion, relatable storytelling and mid-tempo grooves.

Music enthusiasts have largely welcomed this shift, describing it as a step in the right direction for the sustainability of the genre. 

However, some analysts believe that restoring a clear and unified Afrobeats identity may take time, given the global exposure and diverse influences that now shape the sound.

Joeboy’s stance reflects a broader sentiment among certain artistes who feel that artistic integrity should take precedence over viral trends and streaming formulas. 

As Afrobeats continues to dominate charts across Africa and beyond, debates about authenticity, evolution and commercial appeal remain central to its growth.

With influential voices like Joeboy advocating for substance-driven creativity, the genre appears set for a new phase one that balances global ambition with a renewed appreciation for its original rhythm and storytelling power.

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