DJ Big N Criticises Afrobeats Decline as ‘Worst in 20 Years’
DJ Big N criticises Afrobeats for losing originality, calling its current state the worst in 20 years due to international dilution and poor quality.
DJ Big N criticises Afrobeats decline, calling out the industry for compromising its originality and artistic integrity in pursuit of global appeal.
Also read: DJ Tunez Says Wizkid, Davido Feud Is His Biggest Career Challenge
Speaking during an interview on Echo Room, Nigerian disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, did not hold back in his assessment of the current state of the genre, declaring that Afrobeats is at its “worst position in the last 20 years.”
The veteran DJ, known for his work with Mavin Records, said that while the genre continues to gain international attention, its soul is being eroded.
“Afrobeats right now is at its worst position in the last 20 years. And everyone from musicians to music executives has a part to be blamed,” Big N stated.
He attributed the decline to a dilution of sound and identity, arguing that in a bid to impress foreign audiences, many Nigerian artists are abandoning the core elements that once made Afrobeats unique.
Big N further explained that the quality of production and songwriting has dropped, suggesting that the industry’s focus has shifted from storytelling and authenticity to algorithm-driven, trend-chasing content.
“The quality of music dropped. You have to understand that the quality of the product is important in every way,” he said.
“Also, the originality of the music dropped. Always understand that whatever you want to export has to be original, first and foremost.”
According to him, efforts to “westernise” Afrobeats risk making it indistinguishable in global markets, potentially hurting demand.
“You can’t sell foreign genres to foreign audiences. We have to embrace our originality,” he warned.
While his remarks may be seen as controversial, DJ Big N’s criticism reflects a growing sentiment among some Nigerian music insiders who worry that Afrobeats, in becoming global, may lose its essence.
The genre, which gained global traction in the last decade, has seen acts like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Davido perform on international stages and win major awards.
However, concerns are mounting that Afrobeats’ cultural richness is being sacrificed for streaming success.
Also read: Big Soso Evicted From BBNaija in Shocking Twist
DJ Big N’s candid commentary serves as a powerful call to action for artists, producers, and music executives alike — to remember the roots of Afrobeats and protect the originality that brought it to the world stage in the first place.
