Popular Nigerian singer Joeboy has declared that the Afrobeats genre is currently undergoing a “purge” of what he calls adulterated or “wack” music. Speaking to an audience midway through his sold-out “La Vida Valentine” show at the Ink 48 Hotel in Lagos on Friday, February 13, 2026, the “Faji” crooner expressed his excitement about the genre’s shift back toward its original, high-quality roots.
He told the crowd that the era of relying on social media gimmicks is fading, making way for a period where the music itself will once again be the primary focus.
Joeboy noted that he can already feel a change in the industry’s atmosphere, stating that he is happy to see Afrobeats returning to “zones where the music speaks.”
His comments address a long-standing debate among music critics and fans who felt that the genre had become diluted in the early 2020s. During that period, many Nigerian artists heavily infused their sounds with South African Amapiano, American R&B, and hip-hop to appeal to global markets, leading to concerns that the distinct rhythm of “original Afrobeats” was being lost.
The tide began to turn in 2024 and 2025 as artists started moving away from formulaic releases and over-reliance on foreign fusions. Industry insiders have noted that 2026 is becoming a year defined by depth, sonic identity, and intentional songwriting rather than just viral moments.
Joeboy, who recently launched his own “Young Legend” label after a peaceful transition from emPawa Africa, seems to be positioning himself at the forefront of this movement. He concluded his mid-performance address by thanking God for this “renaissance,” affirming his belief that only “real music” will stand the test of time in this new era.
