Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, better known to fans as Mr Eazi, has claimed that his breakthrough in 2016 played a defining part in reviving Afrobeats and pushing the sound toward international acclaim.
The music entrepreneur made the bold assertion during an appearance on 3Music TV, according to The Sun Nigeria. Looking back at his breakout period, he argued that his unique sound rescued the music scene at a crucial moment.
"I saved Afrobeats in 2016," he declared during the chat. The singer added that his emergence injected fresh air and renewed vitality into the genre, helping set the stage for its wider reception around the globe.
The Banku Music and emPawa Africa founder rose to prominence that year off the back of huge records like "Skin Tight", winning over audiences across the continent with his easygoing cadence and cross-cultural style. His rapid rise earned him the prestigious Next Rated prize at the 2016 Headies.
Even so, 2016 remains remembered as a crowded, historic period for Nigerian music. Other rising stars, including Tekno, Runtown, and Ycee, were also running the airwaves and spreading African music across the diaspora with major chart records of their own.
Mr Eazi has continued to release music across the continent, recently teaming up with Ghanaian singer MOLIY on the collaborative track "Comfort".
