Burna Boy wants to bring Afrobeats to the world. Well, Afro-fusion, at least, is what he insists is not only his genre, but the genre he created. Afrofusion is a blend of elements of Afrobeats (different from Afrobeats)s), hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, reggae, and many more are the foundational elements of what many know as the Afrobeats genre as a whole. In Burna's mind, this mixture is considered universally acceptable as it brings African elements within and outside of music to the masses. Afro-fusion has been present to varying degrees in Burna's past projects, but after the release of his beloved work, african giant For the 2019 project, Burna aimed to make Afro-fusion look grander and more inclusive.
That brings us to his seventh album I told them…. Released 14 months after the release of the 6th LP I love you, Damini, Burna Boy is pushing his 'Afro-fusion to the world' agenda further than ever. The album's lead single with 21 Savage, “Sittin' on Top the World,” samples and interpolates Brandy and Mays' “Top of the World,” showing off his star status. The aim is to recreate the success of “Last Last.'' What ultimately emerges is a record that sounds more like a product of his '90s hip-hop than anything in the Afrobeat world. The next single, “Big 7”, has a similar vibe, although it doesn't have any samples, but still goes for a light pop feel. In both cases, the “Afro” part of the song is present through Burna Boy's lyrics as Burna Boy's mannerisms remain but he flashes a line or two in pidgin.
Other examples appear throughout I told them… “City Boys” provides a sample from Jeremih's classic “Birthday Sex,” and “If I'm Lying” is a stripped-down R&B record that was released by rap legends RZA and GZA. Participating in the interlude. Overall, Burna's Afro-fusion presentation seems more evenly distributed across the genres it incorporates, rather than Afrobeats having a more dominant presence as shown in past projects. I can see it. Throughout his 15 songs on the album, some might argue that Afrobeats plays a secondary role. Records like “Normal”, “Giza”, “On Form” and “Dey Play” with Seyi Vibez are closer to the Afrobeat world, but it holds a more universal record on the other side. It's all about balancing the scale. . While this approach overall results in a feel-good body of work being released into the world, longtime fans are faced with the reality that a star has drifted further and further from his home base over the years. .
That means, I told them… At the end of the day, you will have a fulfilling work. Although it pales in comparison to his earlier albums, outside and african giant, still provides a fun and energetic listen that provides a worthy contribution to your summer playlist during the final weeks of the season. Moreover, from a strictly musical perspective, his goal of “bringing Afro-fusion to the world” seems to have been somewhat successful. The project becomes the first African album to debut at number one on the UK Albums Chart, and the album is set to become the second Top 40 release on the US Albums Chart in his career. be. However, Burna spent the week leading up to the album's release trying to increase his status and standing within the Afrobeats genre through conversations in the American media, while simultaneously criticizing the Afrobeats genre. All that was pushed to his side.
For those who follow and love Afrobeats, it's incredibly frustrating to see Burna Boy telling Zane Lowe that Afrobeats has no substance. As she watches Burna Boy tell Walo & Gilly that she doesn't know what “Afrobeats” is, she can't help but laugh at her sudden ignorance. Burna Boy's claims in multiple interviews that he created Afro-fusion are highly debatable, as Davido and Wizkid and others who achieved success in Africa before him also created Afro-fusion. At best, it could be said that it was not an isolated effort. -Current fusion genre. Burna preaches unity and dreams of a bridge between Africa and the world, but for that bridge to be recognized in Burna's eyes, it must lead to him, or at least pass through him. It seems like. Furthermore, the unity spoken of seems to be building in the opposite direction, as Burna stands with those outside and calls on those within the country to follow his philosophy and cross the bridge to join him. Instead, Burna invites the outsider into his home, works with his allies to build bridges, and perhaps for himself, and most importantly, allows him to become a superstar. It would create an honest story that would be beneficial to the genre. today.
I told them… The song is supposed to sound like a victory celebration over the critics and detractors who have been proven wrong about Burna Boy's career trajectory. Instead, we received an album that sits at the heart of Burna's latest era. There, he pushed a narrative that was more untrue than true and damaging to the Afrobeats genre, and contributed tirelessly to elevating the genre to the global success it is today. highlighted by. . Look no further than a “thank you” overturned by his frustration at the entire world refusing to blindly praise him as the greatest king. Overall, it's a contradiction that ultimately affects the experience of the album. Yes, I enjoy the music, but it can also be frustrating considering the message that Burna Boy has been preaching behind it.burna boys I told them… It's a bold declaration, one that ultimately depends on the listener's experience, and only time will tell if the gamble pays off.
I told them… Now being released by Spaceship Records & Atlantic Records. Learn more about.
Burna Boy is a Warner Music artist. .
