Celebrated Nigerian music producer Shizzi has expressed concern over the current state of Afrobeats, describing the genre as being in a “weird phase” where many songs fail to make meaningful connections with listeners.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 19, 2025, the hitmaker shared his observation that while a significant volume of music is being released daily, only a handful of songs truly resonate with audiences.
“Afrobeats has been going through a weird phase in the past 2 years. So many songs come out every day, but only a few truly resonate,” he posted.
Shizzi’s candid statement has sparked renewed discussion within the music community about the perceived dip in the quality and global impact of Nigerian pop music, which has seen explosive growth over the last decade.
Known for producing some of Afrobeats’ biggest hits—including Davido’s 2011 breakout track “Dami Duro”—Shizzi is a seasoned figure whose opinions hold weight within the industry. His remarks align with sentiments shared by fans and critics alike, many of whom feel the genre’s rapid commercial expansion has come at the cost of depth, storytelling, and emotional authenticity.
In 2024, Afrobeats struggled to deliver a global crossover hit. Local hits often failed to enjoy the longevity and cultural grip of previous years, pointing to what some see as creative fatigue or oversaturation. Even though 2025 started on a somewhat brighter note, there remain doubts about the genre’s ability to maintain its position on the global stage.
Adding to these concerns is the declining success of international tours. Several Nigerian artists have had to scale down or cancel their shows across the U.S. and Europe due to underwhelming ticket sales. These challenges have amplified discussions about whether Afrobeats needs a creative reset or strategic rethinking to maintain momentum.
Shizzi’s critique also touches on a broader industry issue: the difficulty in producing new stars with lasting appeal. While established names like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido continue to dominate, the emergence of fresh talent capable of crossing borders and sustaining global attention appears to be slowing.
Despite these concerns, Afrobeats continues to hold cultural significance, and calls like Shizzi’s may be the nudge the industry needs to reinvest in authenticity, innovation, and artist development.
With producers and artists like Shizzi urging introspection, the future of Afrobeats may well lie in returning to its roots—creating music that connects emotionally while still pushing sonic boundaries.
