Afrobeats At The Center Of Controversy As Fat Joe’s Claim Raises Questions About Its True Roots

A conversation around the origins of Afrobeats has recently gained attention after Fat Joe suggested that the genre has roots in Jamaica. He made the comment during an episode of the Joe and Jada podcast, which featured Jamaican dancehall star Buju Banton.

The comment has since sparked conversations among fans and industry observers, with many pointing out that Afrobeats is widely recognised as a genre that originated in West Africa. It also comes against the backdrop of Buju Banton’s past remarks, where he has criticised Afrobeats artists for drawing heavily from Jamaican reggae and dancehall without giving enough credit, and even questioned the genre’s depth and longevity.

To understand the context, it is important to look at the roots of Afrobeats. The genre evolved from “Afrobeat,” a sound pioneered in the 1970s by Fela Kuti. He combined jazz and funk with traditional Nigerian sounds like Yoruba music and highlife to create a unique and influential sound. Modern Afrobeats is a newer evolution of that style. While it includes elements from hip-hop and Caribbean music, its main foundation remains African, built on genres like fuji, juju, and Ghanaian highlife that developed in cities like Lagos and Accra.

While Jamaican dancehall and reggae have influenced Afrobeats—especially in rhythm and style—these are generally seen as contributing elements rather than the origin of the genre. Afrobeats remains rooted in West African musical traditions, shaped by local sounds and developed within cultural hubs such as Lagos and Accra.

The discussion highlights the ongoing exchange between African and Caribbean music, which share historical and cultural connections. However, most music experts agree that while there is clear influence across regions, Afrobeats as a genre was created and developed in West Africa, even as it continues to evolve on the global stage.