“I saved Afrobeats in 2016” – Mr Eazi claims

Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has claimed that he played a significant role in revitalising Afrobeats in 2016 and contributing to the genre’s eventual global acceptance.

Speaking in a recent interview with 3Music TV, the singer boldly declared that he singlehandedly saved the genre in 2016.

“I saved Afrobeats in 2016,” he said.

The ‘Skin Tight’ crooner explained that his entry into the music scene brought fresh energy to Afrobeats, as his laid-back vocal delivery and distinctive fusion of musical styles helped him stand out.

Mr Eazi emerged as one of the breakthrough acts in the Nigerian and African music scenes in 2016, gaining attention with a string of hit songs and a growing cultural influence. He also won the Next Rated award at the 2016 Headies Awards.

However, other artists, including Tekno, Runtown and Ycee, also enjoyed significant success that year, releasing hit songs that gained popularity across Africa and among audiences in the diaspora.

Mr Eazi’s comments have renewed discussion about the contributions of different artists to Afrobeats’ growth and international recognition.