Grammy-winning singer Tems has responded to Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton’s recent criticism of Afrobeats as shallow and lacking depth. In an interview with The Breakfast Club, Tems defended the genre, stating that Afrobeats serves a specific purpose for its listeners and creators.

Tems argued that Afrobeats, like other popular music genres, is intended to provide enjoyment and entertainment. She emphasized that the genre is not meant to be a direct reflection of the harsh realities faced by many in Nigeria. Her response comes after Banton’s comments on the Drinking Champs Podcast where he expressed his belief that Afrobeats fails to address the true experiences of Black audiences in Africa.

Banton’s criticism sparked a debate within the music industry, with some artists, including Jamaican Dancehall star Spice, agreeing with his assessment while others, like Tems, defended Afrobeats. Spice pointed out that there are several Afrobeats acts, such as Burna Boy and Falz, whose music does address social and political issues.

In addition to addressing Banton’s comments, Tems also clarified false rumors that she was pregnant for American rapper Future. The singer expressed her confusion over the choice of Future as the alleged father, stating that she found the rumors “outlandish” and “crazy.”

Tems addressed the speculation, emphasizing that she is not pregnant and that the rumors had caught her completely off guard. She questioned why Future was chosen as the alleged father, suggesting that other musicians like Wizkid or Drake would have been equally plausible.

Tems revealed that her family members had sent her prayers after hearing about the rumors, expressing their disbelief and concern. The singer clarified that the speculation was unfounded and that she had no idea where it originated from.