Mr Eazi Claims He ‘Saved’ Afrobeats in 2016—and Fans Are Pushing Back

Mr Eazi has reignited a debate over who helped drive Afrobeats forward, declaring that he “saved” the genre in 2016 during an interview with 3Music TV. The singer, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade, made the claim while reflecting on the year his career began to take off. He credits his rise with bringing a fresh sound to the scene: layered rhythms paired with a laid-back, conversational style. His 2016 song “Skin Tight” became a major hit, and its relaxed groove stood out from much of the music then dominating Nigerian radio. Mr Eazi’s Ghanaian influence also reflected his years studying in Kumasi. His breakthrough earned him the Revelation of the Year award at the 2016 Headies, a significant early recognition. But the word “saved” has drawn skepticism, with the article noting that several other artists were making an impact at the same time. Tekno’s “Pana” was gaining reach, Runtown closed out the year with “Mad Over You,” and Ycee was building momentum of his own. That crowded landscape is central to the criticism of Mr Eazi’s remark. Some listeners may see it as putting one artist at the center of a wider movement, while others may regard it as the confidence that comes with taking pride in one’s contribution. The article frames Afrobeats’ progress as a collective surge rather than the work of a single act. Mr Eazi’s influence, meanwhile, has extended beyond his own recordings. In 2018, he launched emPawa Africa, a talent initiative intended to help emerging artists get their music heard and funded. The article suggests that effort gave him a role in supporting newer performers as well as building his own career. The claim has arrived as Afrobeats enjoys global success, and conversations about who helped lay its foundations continue to grow. The article says Tekno, Runtown and Ycee had not responded to Mr Eazi’s comment, leaving fans waiting to see whether any of them will weigh in.