Nigerian singer Mr Real has stirred discussion within the music industry by stating that there is “no original song in Afrobeats.”
During a recent interview, Mr Real expressed the view that many Afrobeats tracks recycle existing sounds, beats, and ideas rather than creating entirely new music.
He did not name specific artists but suggested the trend spans across both emerging and established musicians in the genre.
Industry Response
Mr Real’s comments have drawn mixed reactions. Some industry insiders and fans agree that commercial pressures encourage replication of successful formulas, while others defend Afrobeats as a genre known for creativity and innovation through fusion of styles.
Also Read: Petrol Price Rises to ₦992 Per Litre at NNPC Stations
The singer, known for hits such as “Legbegbe,” has previously spoken about his desire to explore different sounds beyond street-hop.
His latest remarks add to ongoing conversations about originality and creativity in Nigerian music.
The Implications
The discussion raised by Mr Real highlights questions about the definition of originality in today’s music scene, especially in genres like Afrobeats that often blend diverse influences and incorporate sampling.
As the debate continues, the industry will likely watch for responses from other artists and producers, as well as how these issues may shape future music production and copyright considerations.