36 year old, Nigerian rapper Erigga, has ignited a firestorm on social media after his recent blunt statement about Afrobeats.
The Mo Street Gan rapper tweeted “Afrobeats is dead”. The Port Harcourt-based artist, known for his hardcore rap style, has seen his tweet go viral. The tweet had seriously sparked heated debate among fans.
This bold claim comes amidst a surge in popularity for Afrobeats. Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Joeboy, have recently announced their stance on Afrobeats. They said they won’t be conformed to the Afrobeats box because they create different styles of music.
Basically, Erigga’s comment could be interpreted as a critique of the genre’s current direction, or perhaps a more forward-thinking observation about the future of Afrobeats.
However, fan reaction has been largely negative. Many have criticized Erigga for being out of touch, especially considering the genre’s continued global domination. The tweet has divided social media, with some users defending Erigga’s right to express his opinion, while others accuse him of negativity.
Erigga, whose real name is Erigga Paperboi Owoh, is a veteran of the Nigerian rap scene. He rose to prominence with his streetwise lyrics delivered in both English and his native Pidgin English. Correspondingly, Erigga’s hardcore flow and focus on social issues have earned him a loyal fanbase, particularly in his hometown of Port Harcourt.
