If I Stick To What You Like, Afrobeats Is Not Going To Move Forward” — Rema

Nigerian musician Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has stated that Afrobeats risks losing creative progress if artistes focus only on making music to satisfy fan preferences.

The singer made the statement during a weekend concert performance while addressing public criticism regarding how Afrobeats artistes structure their music.

Rema explained that his creative process prioritises personal artistic choice over popular opinion, arguing that experimentation is necessary for the genre to grow globally.

“I don’t care what you say about me. I don’t care if you like what I like. But I make music that I like before you like it. If I stick to what you like, Afrobeats is not going to move forward. And I will say it one more time, I am the fking Prince of Afrobeats,” he said.

His remarks follow ongoing discussions on social media regarding Nigerian musicians incorporating foreign music genres into their work to target international audiences.