Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has claimed that he helped revive Afrobeats in 2016 and contributed to the genre’s growing international recognition.
The singer made the claim during a recent interview with 3Music TV, saying, “I saved Afrobeats in 2016.”
Mr Eazi rose to prominence with his distinctive laid-back vocal style and fusion of Nigerian music with Ghanaian highlife influences. His hit song Skin Tight, featuring Ghanaian singer Efya, helped boost his popularity.
He won the Next Rated award at the 2016 Headies, beating nominees including Ycee and Humblesmith.
However, Mr Eazi was not the only artiste driving Afrobeats’ growth at the time. Other Nigerian stars, including Wizkid, Davido, Tekno, Runtown and Ycee, were also enjoying success and helping expand the genre’s audience.
