Nigerian Singer Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, professionally known as Joeboy, has rebuffed Burna Boy’s statement referring to Afrobeats artistes as not having substance.

Joeboy, in a recent episode of the Zero Conditions podcast, said he believes all artistes have substance, depending on “what people relate to.” 

When asked about his thoughts on Burna Boy’s recent controversial statement, Joeboy said, “I feel everybody has substance.”

He added, “It’s just based on what people relate to. Sometimes, when you make a danceable high-tempo song, people feel like you are just vibing. Or if you don’t sing in English.”

The singer further stated that different artistes have language preferences when it comes to writing music and should all feel free to express themselves.

“I understand that you can’t connect to every form of music that you come across. But I promise you, anybody that has the ability to create something out of thin air, it is a substance,” he added in defence of Afrobeats.

Burna Boy, in an interview before the release of his latest album “I Told Them,” spoke with Zane Lowe, an Apple Music presenter, saying, “Afrobeats, as people call it, is mostly about nothing, literally nothing. There’s no substance to it — like, nobody is talking about anything in it. It’s just a great time.”

The self-proclaimed African Giant’s statement sparked widespread reactions from fans and music lovers alike.

While some agreed with him, others criticised him for downplaying a genre of music he rode on to become globally acclaimed.