Nigerian-American actor and singer Rotimi has made claims that he was the pioneer in introducing Afrobeat to the United States. However, his claims have been met with backlash from fans.
Actor and singer Rotimi recently made claims that he played a huge role in introducing the Afrobeats sound to the United States. During his interview with the 85 South comedy show, the American star recounted his pivotal moment in opening Wizkid’s inaugural US show in 2012. He spoke about paving a path for the afrobeat sound through his hit single, Love Riddim. Rotimi’s claims sparked a mixed bag of reactions on social media, with many Nigerians criticizing him.
Sade Lyrics by Rotimi Ft Mayorkun & Nasty C
During the interview, Rotimi recalled trying to get his hit single Love Riddim on the radio station. He said the reception was not well met. He said, “I remember bringing ‘Love Riddim’ to the radio stations in 2018 and the program director was like ‘This is not good’. They didn’t even understand it and this was before Wiz (Wizkid) got the record with Drake. I can comfortably say I brought Afrobeats to America“.
“I can comfortably say I brought Afrobeats to America and this was before Wizkid had that record with Drake”
– Rotimi pic.twitter.com/NNGGINCjsh
— BASITO (@itzbasito) April 24, 2024
See fans’ reactions below
He’s saying pure nonsense, the only reason people knew this guy was because of his role in Power
— iamdchairman (@tobijubril_) April 24, 2024
That guy capping rubbish. Wizkid brought Afrobeat to America and made it global
— Bodi Divine (@Ikennamm) April 24, 2024
He actually has influence the sound
But shouldn’t self glorify himself— Everywhere You Tweet 💋 (@MayJaYBaE) April 24, 2024
Who be this one again o? 😂
— SANTORINI (@KinqKudos) April 24, 2024
2012 , he was on tour with EME to be introduced to the Nigerian scene , what song did he drop that brought afrobeat ? Abi I get memory loss ? https://t.co/CuM5wnbxlK
— Ayodeji (@AyoJaguda) April 24, 2024
What year did @Drake jumped on Ojuelegba remix with @wizkidayo and @Skepta that was first premiered Ovo radio not to even mention Mr Endowed by D’banj ft Snopp dogg https://t.co/OsFkAgBWMo
— AYO FELA SUPREMO (@SupremoFela) April 24, 2024
