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The celebrated ragga and reggae performer further criticized
Afrobeats musicians for appropriating elements from Jamaican reggae and
dancehall without acknowledging their origins. During his appearance on the
'Drink Champs' podcast, co-hosted by N.O.R.E and DJ EFN, Banton expressed his
belief that Afrobeats lacks substance and will ultimately wane.
He also condemned Afrobeats artists for prioritizing
personal gain through their music rather than utilizing their influence to
advocate for the liberation of the African continent.
He said: “A lot of culture vultures out there. They’ve
focused on our music so hard and stolen our culture. I’m not knocking nobody
but they don’t give us no respect. And you still expect us to act like we take
something from you? This [reggae] is the King’s music. Your music [afrobeats]
shall come and go because it has nothing to with soul, building energy. Our
music is a time marker. You can remember when you went on your first date, when
you got married, when you are happy and when you are sad. Because it’s the
King’s music.
“I went to Africa in 1991, I spent three weeks educating
people from Ghana and all over the continent about reggae music and dancehall.
“I was happy when they came to their senses to realise that
music is the bridge that’s going to connect us. But I was disappointed because
they didn’t try to connect with Jamaica, the root. They connected with everyone
else except us. I’m talking about afrobeats [artists].
“When you look at what they’re doing their music is not
freeing Africa. It’s fuckery. They are supposed to use their music to preach
freedom but what they’re singing is fuckery. We desire more from them. If you
want the money, go get it. But what’s going to be said about you later on and
your posterity? You didn’t make any impact. So reggae music still stands
predominant. It’s still the King’s music.”