Nigerian music sensation, Wizkid, has offered further clarification on his recent controversial remarks regarding his association with Afrobeat.
While unveiling his upcoming album, advised against labeling him solely as an Afrobeat artist. He also cautioned bloggers against promoting his new album.
Expanding on his stance, Wizkid expressed his dissatisfaction with being pigeonholed into a single genre. He specifically addressed fans who had supported him since his early days, urging them not to download his new album, as well as those who solely appreciate Afrobeat music.
However, his remarks sparked criticism from many, who accused him of disregarding the genre that contributed to his success.
In his defense, Wizkid reaffirmed his position, emphasizing his desire not to be confined to any particular style of music and his reluctance to conform to stereotypes or boundaries.
Encouraging Nigerians to expand their knowledge, the artist expressed his frustration with being pigeonholed solely as an Afrobeat musician. Despite being proud of his African heritage, he emphasized that his music transcends one genre. He criticized the tendency to lump all African artists into a single category at international awards like the Grammys.
Acknowledging the influence of the late Fela Kuti on Afrobeat, he stressed that his own music goes beyond this label. His album “Made in Lagos” incorporates various musical styles, rejecting the narrow classification of “Afrobeats.” He urged people to utilize resources like Google to educate themselves rather than remaining ignorant.
Asserting his identity as an artist first and foremost, he emphasized his willingness to experiment with different sounds and genres. He lamented the oversimplification of African music into the category of Afrobeats, highlighting the diverse range of creations by female artists.
In conclusion, he urged listeners to broaden their perspectives and embrace musical diversity, signing off with a cheeky remark about drinking milk.
Last year, Wizkid openly addressed the pressure from his millions of fans urging him to release new music.
Through a series of Instagram story posts, Wizkid shared that he was taking a break and wouldn’t return for another four years. He emphasized his desire to savor the rewards of his hard work before delving back into his musical journey.
He even hinted at the possibility of extending his hiatus to five years or exploring alternative career paths such as sports like basketball, golf, or even wrestling.
Moreover, Wizkid expressed an interest in venturing into the world of acting, particularly in Nollywood films. He humorously mentioned his motivations, citing a desire to engage in on-screen romance and action scenes, stating that he enjoys choosing his on-screen partners and jokingly referred to his knack for slapping people as a hidden talent.
