The remarks were made during a recent episode of his “Joe and Jada” podcast, where he hosted Jamaican dancehall icon Buju Banton. During the conversation, Fat Joe asserted that Jamaica played a foundational role in the creation of Afrobeats, despite acknowledging Africa as a broader source of musical influence.
Buju Banton did not challenge the claim directly, choosing instead to shift focus to the history of reggaeton. He credited El General as a pioneer of the genre, noting his influence on its global spread.
However, Afrobeats is widely recognized as a modern genre that emerged from West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. Its sound is deeply influenced by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Afrobeat movement of the 1970s, combined with elements of highlife, hip-hop, and R&B.
Fat Joe’s comments have since triggered backlash on social media, with many critics accusing him of misrepresenting the genre’s origins and downplaying its African roots. The debate also highlights longstanding discussions about cross-cultural influences between African and Caribbean music traditions.
The controversy follows earlier criticism from Buju Banton, who in a 2024 appearance on the “Drink Champs” podcast argued that Afrobeats artists draw heavily from Jamaican reggae and dancehall without sufficient acknowledgment. He also questioned the genre’s longevity, suggesting it lacks depth and may struggle to endure over time.