Mr Real: Afrobeats Has No Originality

In a recent interview with Hip TV, Nigerian singer Mr. Real asserted that Afrobeats lacks originality, claiming that many songs and creative ideas are stolen across the industry. He described the music scene as heavily influenced by the recycling of sounds and melodies.

His remarks stirred debate across social media, with fans and fellow artists reacting. Mr Real targeted what he sees as rampant intellectual property theft in Afrobeats, pushing critics to respond.

Moreover, he questioned whether true innovation exists in the genre today. He said many artists depend on templates rather than creating fresh sounds. He lamented that upcoming talents suffer when their ideas get copied without credit. Mr. Real also stressed that the culture around copying stifles originality and reduces creative investment.

Furthermore, Mr Real addressed specific accusations tied to high-profile artists. He mentioned Rema as an example, responding to claims that some singers borrow heavily from others. He argued that the boundaries between inspiration and theft have blurred.

He encouraged listeners and creators to be more discerning about originality. The “Legbegbe” singer also challenged professionals in the industry to enforce stronger protections for intellectual property.

Meanwhile, his post sparked reactions across entertainment circles. Some defended parts of the genre, saying trends and similarity naturally occur in popular music. Others supported Mr Real’s perspective, citing examples of beat cloning and uncredited songwriting. The discourse opened up conversations about copyright laws, creator rights, and the enforcement of ownership in African music.

In addition, the debate emphasizes how Afrobeats has grown into a massive commercial force. As more global stars emerge, issues about originality and references grow more pronounced. Mr Real’s stance draws attention to the need for structural reforms. He pressed for systems that reward creators with respect, not theft.

In essence, Mr Real argued that Afrobeats lacks originality because idea theft is invading the industry gradually. Do you agree with Mr. Real? Tell us why in the comments. Connect with us for more news like this on Instagram | YouTube | TikTok.