Nigerian megastar Ayo Balogun, also known as Wizkid, has insisted that the rap genre is dead and not worth listening to.
He was reacting to the backlash he got for saying he doesn’t listen to rap music.
Earlier this week, the singer gave an interview to 10 Magazine, a luxury quarterly British publication, where he assured that the Afrobeats genre is innovative compared to rap music, which he said is boring.
Wizkid said he doesn’t listen to rap music because the genre is boring, dead and tired.
Following his claims, the singer received criticism from rap defenders and lovers of the genre.
Starboy, who has been at the forefront of bringing the Afrobeats genre to the world, however, did not take it idle.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Wizzy described rappers as broke guys, stating that he will not condescend to their level.
He further said that Black Sherif and Sarkodie from Ghana and Nasty C from South Africa are the only rappers in Africa.
“I can’t believe all of you ruined boys thought Big Wiz is going to talk about all of you. Wow! Y’all aren’t even rappers! Nasty C, Sarkodie and Black Sherif are the only rappers from Africa.
Y’all keep sending popsy rap videos! I’m going to see, maybe I can help a mom’s life, ”she wrote.
reactions
Wizkid’s post has generated reactions online, with many tackling the artist who released his fifth studio album, ‘More Love Less Ego’ about a month ago.
Famous rapper Jude Abaga, also known as MI, pointed out that the rap genre may not be where it should be, but it is on the rise.
He then listed the Nigerian rappers that he said are winning.
His roster includes names like AQ, SDC, Falz, Vector, Ladipoe, Odumodu, YP, BlaqBonez, Dan Dizzy, Ajebo Hustlers, Ice Prince, and himself.
MI also subtly reminded Wizzy that the rap genre gave him a platform and was one of his first claims to fame.
He posted a link to his 2008 song, ‘Fast Money Fast Cars’ from his album ‘Talk About It with Wizkid.
Blaqbonez’s response to Wizkid was simple; “I’m not dead. I’m handsome.
He then went on to list some of his accomplishments this year.
“Of the many projects this year, ‘Young Preacher’ was in the top 10 streams for the first week on Apple Music, Boomplay, Spotify and Audiomack. Rap is not dead, it is not the most searched genre, but dead? Noooooooo,” he wrote.
Another rapper, Erigga, on the other hand, refused to address Wiz over his statement. In his opinion, rappers are his problems.
ALSO READ: ‘Why I Don’t Listen To Rap’ – Wizkid
“No, only when dem say rap don die una dey come out and show fake support. fun industry. a wan uses lies to kill herself. Oya rappers start auditioning for Popci (Wizkid). E dey a lado dey ve a ”, he affirmed.
A new entrant to the rap game, Laycon, didn’t mingle with anyone. Instead, he promoted a project that he is working on in collaboration with MI.
The project aims to help rappers to be heard and noticed.
He wrote: “The #Jive platform is a great opportunity for emerging rap artists to be heard and grow a following.
“Jive gives artists a way to build a community with other artists and those who love their sound. I think our work on #JiveNG will make a big difference.”
Afrobeats vs pop vs rap
Earlier in the week, Wizkid, one of Afrobeats’ fiercest defenders, told 10 Magazine that the genre is innovative and a refreshing alternative for people stuck with the same sound for years.
Describing the genre as the new pop, the singer said he doesn’t listen to rap music.
He said: “Afrobeats is the new pop. I sold two million copies in the US of just one song! … To be honest, I don’t listen to any other musical genre anymore.
“I don’t listen to rap; that shit is boring. He is dead now; he’s tired. These guys do the same shit, they rap to the same beats, the same flows,” he said.
He also said that the Afrobeats genre consistently produces high-quality hits compared to others.
“No disrespect to anyone. I have nothing against rap or any other type of music. I have a lot of rappers as friends, like a lot. So I’m probably the wrong person to say this,” Wizkid added.
The 32-year-old singer has had a good year; his 2020 album ‘Made In Lagos’ ranks second on Billboard Year End Top 10 World Albums of 2022. Also on the list is Burna Boy’s ‘Love Damini’.
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