Popular Nigerian DJ, Nonso Temisan Ajufo, widely known as DJ Big N, has voiced serious concerns over the current state of Afrobeats, saying the genre has declined to its “worst position in the last 20 years.” The veteran disc jockey shared his thoughts during an interview with Echo Room, where he blamed both artists and music executives for the downturn.

According to DJ Big N, the pursuit of global acceptance has led to the dilution of Afrobeats’ authentic sound. He explained that many artists and record labels tried too hard to appeal to international audiences, resulting in music that has lost its originality and cultural depth.

“Afrobeats right now is at its worst position in the last 20 years. Everyone from musicians to music executives is to be blamed,” he said. “The quality and originality of the music dropped. You can’t sell foreign genres to foreign audiences — we need to stay true to our roots.”

He stressed that the strength of Afrobeats lies in its authenticity, warning that attempts to imitate Western sounds will only weaken its global appeal. DJ Big N emphasized that originality must remain at the core of the genre if it hopes to regain its influence.

The Mavin Records DJ also criticized the exorbitant performance fees charged by some Nigerian artists, arguing that the trend is unsustainable. He pointed out that many musicians are now pricing themselves out of local events, making it difficult for promoters and fans in Nigeria to access their shows.

DJ Big N urged Afrobeats artists to rethink their strategies, focus on quality, and reconnect with the music’s cultural essence to prevent further decline. He concluded by reminding stakeholders that preserving the originality of Afrobeats is the only way to sustain its global dominance.