by Peace Umanah — January 6, 2025

Vybz Kartel Shares Thoughts on Afrobeats’ Global Popularity

In a recent interview with Billboard, dancehall legend Vybz Kartel opened up about his appreciation for Afrobeats and some of his favorite artists in the genre. “Shatta Wale, Wizkid, and Burna Boy are my three favorite Afrobeats artists. I like Tems too. Afrobeats is nice, you can just vibe to it,” he shared, highlighting the genre’s infectious and feel-good nature.

Vybz Kartel also commented on Buju Banton’s past remarks about Afrobeats, which sparked conversations about the genre’s focus on lighthearted themes. “I think Buju Banton was saying something [controversial] about it [during an interview last year], but I understand where he’s coming from,” he explained. “Buju is a dancehall/reggae artist, so he’s going to be singing more conscious stuff about society. But there is a space for happy, fun music.”

His statement underscores the global appeal of Afrobeats and its ability to coexist alongside more socially conscious genres like reggae and dancehall. By recognizing the genre’s role in spreading joy and uplifting listeners, Kartel adds a balanced perspective to the ongoing dialogue about the artistic diversity in contemporary music.