Amaarae Says Afrobeats Has “Stalled,” Urges Artists to Evolve Beyond Safe Sounds
Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae has sparked a wave of conversation in the music world after boldly declaring that Afrobeats is losing its momentum on the global stage.
In a recent interview with British-Nigerian media personality Madame Joyce, the Sad Girls Love Money hitmaker didn’t mince words, stating that the genre’s growth has slowed because many artists are sticking to a formula that’s safe, familiar — and financially rewarding, rather than creatively bold.
“Afrobeats and African music need to evolve in a direction that is fearless.
Artists have made so much money from a certain type of sound that they are afraid to step out of the boundaries,” she said.
🌍 “Afrobeats Is in a Rut” – A Call to Reinvent
Amaarae highlighted that while the genre once thrived on bold experimentation and cultural freshness, many current artists are now afraid to push boundaries.
She pointed to Rema’s “HEIS” album as a prime example of what musical evolution looks like — a project that pushed sonic limits while still resonating with fans globally.
“That’s what I consider the evolution of Afrobeats,” she said. “It moved the genre and culture forward.”
💬 Opinion: Bold Truth or Creative Elitism?
Amaarae’s take is courageous — and necessary. Afrobeats is one of Africa’s most powerful cultural exports, but every wave eventually plateaus if it isn’t redefined.
The genre’s rise to global prominence through artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage has been nothing short of phenomenal. But with success comes the temptation to play it safe — to duplicate rather than innovate.
And Amaarae isn’t attacking — she’s challenging. Her call is for artistic bravery: to blend Afrobeats with jazz, punk, techno, soul — whatever moves the spirit. Art doesn’t evolve by comfort — it grows through risk.
🎧 The Bigger Picture: Africa’s Sound Is Bigger Than a Beat
Let’s be clear: Afrobeats isn’t dead — but it must stay alive.
Genres like Afrofusion, Alté, and Afropop hybrids are already bubbling underground. Artists like Odumodublvck, Ayra Starr, Amaarae herself, and even Tems are quietly rewriting the rules.
The big question: Will mainstream stars embrace this shift — or stay stuck in yesterday’s success?
Trending Hashtags:
#AmaaraeSpeaks #AfrobeatsEvolution #SadGirlsLoveMoney #RemaHEIS #PushTheSound #AfricanMusicMatters #NigerianMusic #GhanaToTheWorld #NewWaveAfrobeats
🗣️ Do you agree with Amaarae’s view? Is Afrobeats at risk of becoming repetitive, or is the genre still growing strong? What artists do you think are pushing boundaries? Let’s talk.
