Nigerian music legend 2Baba has expressed strong confidence in the longevity of Afrobeats, dismissing suggestions that the globally celebrated sound could lose relevance in the future.
The award-winning singer said the genre’s steady growth and the emergence of fresh talent have positioned it to remain dominant for years to come.
Speaking during a recent radio interview on Wazobia FM, the veteran artist credited the new generation of performers for sustaining the genre’s global appeal. He noted that younger musicians are not only preserving the essence of Afrobeats but are also expanding its boundaries through creativity and innovation.
According to him, the continued rise of promising acts has removed any doubts about the genre’s future, stressing that Afrobeats has evolved into a cultural force that is unlikely to fade. He pointed to the energy, diversity and experimentation among emerging artists as key factors driving the sound’s resilience on the international stage.
The singer specifically praised rising artist Fola for remaking his classic song ‘If Love Is A Crime’, describing the reinterpretation as a refreshing example of how younger talents are building on the foundations laid by earlier stars.
He commended the smooth delivery and vocal texture of the remake, adding that it demonstrated both respect for the original and the creativity of the new generation.
2Baba explained that such reinterpretations help to keep older songs alive while also introducing them to a new audience. He said the trend of younger artists revisiting classic Afrobeats records reflects the genre’s strong heritage and its ability to reinvent itself without losing its core identity.
The music icon further emphasised that Afrobeats’ success is not accidental but the result of years of consistent effort by Nigerian artists and producers who have worked to refine the sound and promote it internationally.
He noted that what began as a local musical movement has grown into a global phenomenon embraced in Europe, North America, and other parts of Africa.
He added that today’s young artists are benefiting from a more developed industry structure, wider digital distribution, and increased global interest in African culture. These advantages, he said, have enabled them to experiment with different sounds while still maintaining the distinctive rhythmic and melodic patterns that define Afrobeats.
Reflecting on the evolution of the genre, 2Baba said he feels proud to see younger musicians take bold, creative steps and carve out their own identities. He remarked that each generation of artists brings something unique to the table, ensuring that Afrobeats remains dynamic rather than stagnant.
2Baba concluded by reiterating his belief that Afrobeats has reached a level of cultural and commercial significance that makes its decline highly unlikely. He maintained that as long as young talents continue to push creative boundaries and audiences remain receptive to African sounds, the genre will continue to thrive and evolve in the global music landscape.
