Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has shared her perspective on the role of Afrobeats, describing the genre as a form of escapism.

She emphasized that, in Nigeria, Afrobeats serves as an outlet for people to escape the often harsh realities of life rather than being a tool for addressing societal issues.

Tems made this statement in response to recent criticism from Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton, who voiced his opinion during a podcast episode of “Shopping The Sneakers.”

Banton had argued that Afrobeats lacks depth and predicted that the genre would eventually lose its relevance.

In response, Tems expressed understanding of Banton’s viewpoint, explaining that while reggae and Afrobeats are distinct in their messages and purposes, Afrobeats in Nigeria is specifically designed to offer listeners a temporary break from their daily struggles.

She clarified, “Reggae isn’t the same as Afrobeats. In Nigeria, the function of Afrobeats is to provide an escape – that’s its main purpose.”

The singer’s comments highlight the differences between musical genres and their cultural significance, noting that while some genres may focus on societal commentary, others, like Afrobeats, aim to uplift and entertain audiences during difficult times.