M3nsa has strongly criticized Buju Banton following the reggae icon’s comments about contemporary Afrobeats music.
M3nsa Bondzie Ansah, known for his work with FOKN Bois and as a socio-political commentator, shared his views in an exclusive interview with Prince Benjamin on Class 91.3 FM on August 15, 2024.
Buju Banton, during his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, disparaged Afrobeats, calling it profit-driven, lacking in depth, and disconnected from Africa’s current issues.
He lamented that modern African artists had strayed from the path set by legends like Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, and Youssou N’dour.
Banton also criticized the lack of recognition given to Jamaica’s role in shaping global music and suggested that Afrobeats was, in his view, “f–kery.”
In response, M3nsa expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that music should be appreciated for its diversity in themes and styles.
He questioned why genres of Black origin are not subject to the same standards of social consciousness as reggae.
M3nsa argued that a musician’s personal impact and contribution to their community are more significant than their choice of lyrical content.
He took issue with Banton’s tone, finding it condescending and out of touch.
M3nsa pointed out that not all musicians should be expected to address socio-political issues in their work. He criticized Banton for making judgments while having his own controversial past, including his recent prison stint and his history with a homophobic hit song.
M3nsa highlighted the challenges African artists face in the global music industry and defended the right of musicians to explore various themes. He stressed that while he values lyrical content, it is crucial to allow a range of expressions in music.
“And you know not everybody has to make the same kind of music.
“He just sounds a little bit out of touch and for me. The tone is very condescending because I don’t see him telling African Americans or rappers who are from the hood where they are also struggling and there’s poverty and all those things – I don’t see him telling them to change their lyrics, you know.
“Not everybody has to make conscious music. Sometimes, we also want to take our minds off things and so I get it. You know me, I’m into lyricism, lyrical dexterity and all that stuff but allow people to make what they make.
“Because you can be making conscious music and in your personal life you can be getting up to no good.
“He himself is an example. He’s just come out of jail for trying to, you know, transport cocaine, you know, and his biggest song was a very homophobic song, so what’s he talking about?
“You don’t know what other musicians are doing for their communities.
“And you understand the competition; how difficult it is for us Africans to get into these spaces.
“I get it we can’t all be making odo [love] songs. Yes, let there be variety and so on and so forth
“But, for me, I don’t think it warrants him talking like that, talking down on us like that.
“And that’s my take. Just make what you make and let us also make what we make. Not everybody fits into that box he’s putting us into.
“That’s what I would say,” the Eyes But No Eyes hitmaker said.
M3nsa’s latest project, “Obaa No,” is a modern take on Highlife, created in collaboration with renowned multi-instrumentalist Kwame Yeboah.