American rapper Fat Joe has sparked controversy after claiming that Afrobeats originated from Jamaica, prompting debate across the music industry and online communities.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Joe and Jada podcast, which featured Jamaican dancehall star Buju Banton, Fat Joe suggested that Jamaica played a foundational role in the genre’s development. “Jamaica started Afrobeats. Even though everything comes from Africa,” he said during the discussion.
He also described Afrobeats as lacking substance and predicted that the genre would eventually fade away.
Buju Banton did not directly challenge the claim during the conversation, instead pointing to the influence of Panamanian artist El General on the evolution of reggaeton and its broader global impact.
Fat Joe’s remarks have since drawn widespread attention, with critics highlighting that Afrobeats is broadly recognised as originating in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. The genre is also closely linked to Afrobeat, pioneered by Nigerian music icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The comments have also revived earlier criticisms from Buju Banton. In a 2024 appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, he argued that Afrobeats artists borrow heavily from reggae and dancehall without proper credit, and suggested the genre lacks the depth to endure over time.