Nigerian musician Jaywon criticizes Billboard for releasing the list of the 50 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time, claiming that several Afrobeats and gospel musicians have stolen the distinctive style of his 2012 single, “This Year.”
His annoyance has been increased by the fact that his music was left off the list.
Jaywon vehemently defended This Year’s cultural enduring power and effect on his X account. He wrote;
“‘This Year’ by Jaywon had more viral moments and cultural impact than some of the tracks Billboard decided to rank. Trending since 2012 and still going strong.
“Tell me, who else has pulled that off? Hate is inevitable. Year after year, both gospel and Afrobeats acts copy the same vibe, yet we remain unshaken. Cry harder, I said it before, and I’ll say it again… No song on that list has more cultural impact than #ThisYear by Jaywon.”
Jaywon claims that since its release, “This Year” has evolved from a popular song to a cultural mainstay that is played at weddings, church services, and New Year’s countdowns.
He thinks that despite being unrecognized, its unique vibe still influences popular Afrobeats music as well as gospel.
