Fireboy Denies Intentionally Creating Afrobeats: Unveils His Unique Genre "Afro-Life"
Prince Jean
Apr 20, 2024
Fireboy is a Nigerian music sensation who has made significant contributions to the global popularity of Nigerian music. In a recent interview with BET, he shed light on his unique genre, which he aptly calls “Afro-Life.” Unlike traditional Afrobeats, Fireboy’s Afro-Life infuses soul and lyricism, adding depth to the vibrant rhythms and energy that characterize the music scene.
Before Fireboy’s emergence, Afrobeats was already captivating audiences with its infectious vibes, percussion, and instrumentation. However, he noticed a missing element: pure soul and thoughtful lyrics. Determined to fill this gap, Fireboy introduced Afro-Life, a genre that combines the best of Afrobeats with a deeper emotional resonance.
In his words:
“The Afrobeats scene before I came in has always been beautiful. It was built on vibes, energy, and percussion. But I realized that there was something lacking—pure soul and lyricism in our music. That’s what I brought to the game. And if you’re introducing something new, it needs a name. Hence, Afro-Life—a genre that infuses Afrobeats with depth.”
Fireboy’s perspective echoes Burna Boy’s sentiments from a 2023 interview with Zane Lowe, where Burna Boy criticized Afrobeats for lacking substance. This trend of Nigerian artists creating distinct genres to break away from the Afrobeats label continues to shape the music landscape.
As Fireboy gears up for the release of his fourth album, he reflects on his journey, personal growth, and the meaning of success. His upcoming project promises to be a culmination of years of learning and self-discovery. Additionally, Fireboy expresses his desire to collaborate with notable artists like Burna Boy, Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Don Toliver in the near future.
