Steve Harvey argued that it was the West, especially America, who are inspired by African beats and rhythm
By Kehinde Okeowo
Popular American television host, filmmaker and comedian, Steve Harvey has jumped in defense of ace Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Burna Boy and other African artistes.
According to him, contrary to Western sentiments that these singers stole American music, it was the other way round.
The comic actor argued that it was the West, especially America, who are inspired by African beats, rhythm, and soul.
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Speaking during a recent episode of his television show, Steve Harvey said: “People claim Burna Boy stole this, no we stole from Burna Boy. Africans are the beats, soul, rhythm, and hard work that inspire our courage.”
Prior to his comment, Burna Boy had in an interview with Apple Music last year clarified that he doesn’t do the popular West African music, Afrobeats but Afrofusion which he said was a fusion of American hip-hop, R&B, soul, Jamaican reggae and dancehall, and African music elements.
He was nominated in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category at the 66th Grammys becoming the first African artist to be nominated in the rap category which was previously exclusively for Western artists.
Despite losing the award to Lil Durk, there were claims in some sections of the West that Burna Boy was attempting to hijack Western musical style.
