Grammy-nominated music executive Bankulli has criticised entertainment promoter Paulo Okoye over his recent comments about Afrobeats. He said the claims were inaccurate and did not reflect the current reality of the music industry.
According to Daily Post, Paulo recently argued that Afrobeats is losing momentum. He claimed that only a few artists still earn substantial income from the genre. He also blamed rising performance fees and fewer live shows for the industry’s challenges.
However, Bankulli strongly disagreed with that position. He said Paulo’s comments presented an incomplete picture of Afrobeats and overlooked the genre’s continued global growth.
The music executive explained that Afrobeats has grown beyond concert performances. He noted that streaming, music publishing, brand partnerships and international collaborations continue to create opportunities for artists and industry professionals.
In addition, Bankulli said it is wrong to judge the industry’s success only by the number of shows or the earnings of a few top musicians. He stressed that Afrobeats has become a global cultural movement with influence across different sectors of the entertainment business.
Furthermore, he urged industry leaders to be careful with public statements about the genre. According to him, comments that do not present the full picture could discourage investors and create unnecessary doubts about the industry’s future.
Meanwhile, Paulo has maintained his position. He believes the industry needs reforms to remain competitive. He argued that stakeholders should address rising performance fees and create more opportunities for emerging artists.
The disagreement has sparked fresh conversations across the entertainment industry. While some people agree that Afrobeats faces business challenges, others support Bankulli’s view that the genre remains strong despite changes in the market.
Although the two industry figures disagree on the current state of Afrobeats, both acknowledge its importance on the global stage.
See also: Peter Okoye fires back at Jude, makes fresh Northside Music allegations
Their debate has added to the ongoing discussion about the future of one of Africa’s biggest music exports.
