Nigerian artist Omah Lay has expressed his apprehensions regarding the current state of the Afrobeats genre, fearing that it is being compromised to cater to international markets and is becoming overly commercialized.

During a recent appearance on the Zach Sang Show, the “Understand” singer voiced his concerns that the genre, which has experienced a swift surge in global recognition, is no longer being managed with care.

He criticized the prevailing trend among Afrobeats artists, suggesting that the financial success of the genre is causing musicians to focus more on profit than on their artistic integrity.

“There is too much money in Afrobeats. Afrobeats artists are just trying to grab the money,” Omah Lay stated. “I believe people are messing Afrobeats up. I also believe it is becoming very commercial. Right now, I don’t believe Afrobeats is in safe hands.”

His remarks come in the wake of increasing criticism directed at the genre.

Recently, Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton stirred controversy by labeling Afrobeats as “f*ckery,” asserting in an interview that the genre lacks depth and is destined to fade away.