Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has credited himself with playing a pivotal role in Afrobeats’ resurgence in 2016, claiming he singlehandedly saved the genre.
The singer made the assertion during a recent interview with 3Music TV, where he reflected on his impact on the African music scene.
“I saved Afrobeats in 2016,” Mr Eazi declared.
Known for his relaxed vocal delivery and fusion of musical styles, the Skin Tight crooner said his emergence brought renewed energy to the genre.
Mr Eazi rose to prominence around that period, building a following with songs that helped establish his signature sound. His growing profile also earned him the Next Rated award at the 2016 Headies, one of Nigeria’s major music award ceremonies.
However, the singer’s claim comes against the backdrop of a competitive period for Afrobeats, when several other Nigerian artists were also enjoying significant success.
Tekno, Runtown and Ycee were among the acts gaining attention in 2016, with hit songs that resonated with audiences across Africa and among listeners in the diaspora.
Their success highlights the range of artists contributing to the genre’s growth during the period.
While Mr Eazi has attributed a major part of Afrobeats’ revival to his influence, the genre’s expansion involved multiple artists whose music helped strengthen its presence beyond Nigeria.
His comments have reopened the conversation about the contributions of individual musicians to Afrobeats’ evolution and its growing international reach.
