Nigerian-American singer and actor Rotimi has ignited a debate on social media after claiming to have pioneered Afrobeats in the United States.
In a recent appearance on the “85 South Show Podcast,” Rotimi discussed his 2018 single “Love Riddim” and the challenges he faced getting it played on the radio due to its Afrobeats sound.
“They didn’t even understand it,” Rotimi said, referring to radio program directors. “This was before Wiz [Wizkid] got the record with Drake.“
He then made the bold statement, “I can comfortably say I brought Afrobeats to America.“
However, social media users have countered Rotimi’s claim, pointing to earlier Afrobeats successes in the US market. Songs like Ayo Jay’s “Your Number” (2015), Drake and Wizkid’s “One Dance” (2016), and Davido’s “Fall” and “If” (2017) all predate “Love Riddim” and achieved significant recognition.
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