Mr Eazi Claims He ‘Saved Afrobeats’ in 2016, Sparks Debate Over Genre’s Rise

Ghanaian-Nigerian singer Mr Eazi has claimed that he played a major role in revitalising Afrobeats in 2016, crediting his arrival on the music scene with bringing fresh energy to the genre.

The singer, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade, made the statement during a recent interview with 3Music TV, where he boldly described his contribution to the genre’s development.

“I saved Afrobeats in 2016,” Mr Eazi said.

The ‘Skin Tight’ crooner explained that his entry into the industry introduced a different sound that helped breathe new life into Afrobeats. His relaxed vocal delivery and fusion style distinguished him from many of his contemporaries and helped him build a strong following across Africa and beyond.

Mr Eazi emerged as one of the breakout acts of 2016, gaining attention through a string of hit songs and growing influence in the African music scene. His success that year was recognised at the 2016 Headies Awards, where he won the Next Rated category.

However, Mr Eazi was not the only artist making an impact during that period. Nigerian singers Tekno, Runtown and Ycee also enjoyed considerable success, releasing hit songs that gained popularity across Africa and among listeners in the diaspora.

Their achievements reflected the contributions of several artists to Afrobeats’ growing appeal during the period. While Mr Eazi credits himself with helping revitalise the genre, the music scene was also being shaped by other performers experimenting with sounds and reaching new audiences.

His comments have renewed discussion about the artists who helped shape Afrobeats during a key period in its development. The claim also raises questions about how much influence individual musicians had in the genre’s growth and its eventual international recognition.