Popular Nigerian On-Air Personality (OAP), Dotun, has raised concerns over the future of Afrobeats, questioning whether the genre will maintain its global relevance in the coming years. During an interview on a major radio platform, Dotun expressed his worries about the current trajectory of the genre, which has seen meteoric success over the past decade.
“The longevity of Afrobeats as a genre is something that keeps me awake at night,” Dotun said. “The sound is great, it’s global, and the impact is undeniable. But we need to start thinking about what happens next. Are we evolving, or are we just repeating the same formulas that worked in the past?”
Dotun, who has been a vocal supporter of African music and culture for years, highlighted the rapid rise of new genres globally, suggesting that Afrobeats may face stiff competition if it doesn’t adapt quickly. “Afrobeats has been embraced globally, but as with any genre, it has a shelf life if innovation doesn’t keep pace,” he added.
The genre, which blends traditional African sounds with global music influences like hip hop, dancehall, and pop, has become a dominant force on global music charts, with artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems spearheading its mainstream success. However, Dotun believes that Afrobeats needs to diversify beyond its current boundaries to ensure its survival.
“Artists and producers need to challenge themselves creatively,” he said. “It’s not just about repeating the same beats or sounds. We need to see more fusion, more experimentation. Afrobeats needs to keep pushing its limits to stay fresh.”
While Dotun’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some fans praising his foresight, others argue that the genre is still in its prime and evolving organically. Nonetheless, his call for innovation in the industry underscores an ongoing debate about the sustainability of Afrobeats in a rapidly changing global music scene.
As the genre continues to dominate, only time will tell if the industry takes heed of these concerns and adapts to keep Afrobeats at the forefront of global music.