In a fiery exchange on social media, music executive Murray Elias, renowned for producing Sean Paul's hit "I'm Still In Love With You," has stirred controversy by dismissing the potential unity of dancehall acts and asserting that Afrobeats boasts superior artists. Elias contends that the Afrobeats industry, well-funded and well-run, features better songwriters and singers, emphasizing their international crossover appeal.
Elias took to social media to label the idea of unity in dancehall as "idiot talk," asserting that it's an improbable scenario. He criticized recent signings in the Jamaican music scene, branding them as flops, including reggae acts Protoje and Lila Ike. Elias also targeted Shenseea, claiming she hasn't delivered a bonafide hit despite substantial hype and investment.
Elias specifically calls out Shenseea, questioning the return on investment and hits from Jamaican artists despite significant financial backing.
The piece provides a snapshot of recent album releases from Jamaican artists, citing examples like Buju Banton's "Upside Down 2020" and Koffee's "Gifted," while highlighting lukewarm sales figures for other acts. Elias even questions the sustainability of some Jamaican artists' success, dubbing Teejay and Byron Messia as potential one-hit wonders.
Contrasting the Jamaican scene with Afrobeats, he highlights the global achievements of Afrobeats artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Rema. It underscores the international recognition and success achieved by these artists in the past five years.
