I Brought Afrobeat To America – Rotimi (Video)

Rotimi Claims He Pioneered Afrobeats in the US, Sparking Debate

Nigerian-American singer and actor Rotimi has ignited a firestorm online with his recent comments on the 85 South Show Podcast. Rotimi claimed to be the one who brought Afrobeats to the American audience, stating, “I can comfortably say I brought Afrobeats to America and this was before Wizkid had that record with Drake.”

This assertion has been met with mixed reactions. While Rotimi acknowledges the impact of Wizkid’s global hit “One Dance” featuring Drake, he suggests his own Afrobeats-infused music paved the way earlier. He recounted facing resistance from radio stations in 2018 for his song “Love Riddim,” attributing it to the unfamiliarity with the genre at the time.

However, critics point out that Afrobeats had already begun gaining traction in the US before 2018. Artists like Ayo Jay with his 2015 hit “Your Number” and Davido with tracks like “Fall” and “If” in 2017 are credited for introducing American audiences to the sound.

Rotimi’s comments have sparked a debate about the origins and who deserves credit for Afrobeats’ rise in the US. While Rotimi’s music undoubtedly played a role, it seems the genre’s success is likely due to the collective efforts of many artists and the evolving music scene.

Video below:-

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