Azealia Banks, the US rapper, has delivered a series of remarks about Nigeria, Afrobeats and some of the country’s biggest stars.
In a recent interview video circulating on social media, Banks said she does not find Afrobeats appealing and prefers other alternative genres.
She also criticised Nigerians, claiming they have “no culture” and are “scammers”.
“I don’t want to listen to someone singing pidgin; I’d rather listen to someone sing in patois. Afrobeats is not as explorative as K-Pop,” she said.
“West Africans come to America and say we have no culture, but the word Nigeria isn’t even something you guys invented. I don’t really love Nigerians as much; I think they want to be lovable.
“They have no culture, they’re eating salty rice, and who the fuck cooks with palm oil? It’s congesting and bad.”
“I don’t want to listen to someone singing in pidgin; I’d rather listen to someone sing in patois. I don’t like Afrobeats. Nigerians have no culture, they’re eating salty rice, and who even cooks with palm oil? I don’t like Rema; he’s a skinny little boy.”
Advertisement— American rapper… pic.twitter.com/SEM3u1w0j4
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) December 8, 2025
Banks, however, praised Tiwa Savage, describing her as “one of the best female artistes”.
She took a swipe at Rema, describing the music star as a “skinny boy”, and claimed Burna Boy “can’t sing”.
She also argued that artistes from Francophone countries express their identity better.
“Tiwa Savage is the best, she’s one I’d the best female artistes across the board. Tiwa is great. I don’t like Rema. I’m not into little skinny boys singing,” she said.
“Francophone Africa has way more culture. I do like Nigerian people but they’re very limited.”
Despite her criticisms, the rapper said she considers herself partly Nigerian.
“I’m 33 per cent Nigerian, that’s why I can look at them and see their bullshit. I do feel very close to them, and I see how corny and brainy they are, but you’re going to have to give me more than palm oil,” she said.
“Nigerians are scammers. Why are girls still getting kidnapped? What’s this tribal shit? You guys should have thrown Nigeria away when you knew it wouldn’t work.”
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