Fat Joe Claims Jamaica Started Afrobeats [Video]

American rapper Fat Joe cliams that Afrobeats actually began in Jamaica.

He made this comment on an episode of his “Joe and Jada” podcast, where Jamaican dancehall artist Buju Banton was a guest.

During the conversation, Fat Joe stated that Jamaica started Afrobeats, although he also revealed that everything originally comes from Africa.

“Jamaica started Afrobeats. Even though everything comes from Africa,” Fat Joe declared.

Buju Banton did not challenge the statement. Instead, he shifted the topic to reggaeton, saying that Panamanian artist El General helped create the genre and influenced many others.

Fat Joe’s comment has caused a lot of criticism online, with many people saying it is historically incorrect and takes away from Africa’s role in creating the genre.

Watch the video below:

“Jamaica Started Afrobeats”

🚨 Fatjoe in new interview with Buju Banton pic.twitter.com/IIZ1d5oY6V

— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) April 22, 2026

“Jamaica started Afrobeats.”

– Fat Joe makes bold claim in interview with Buju Banton pic.twitter.com/CrfE8Qm8B9

— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) April 22, 2026

KanyiDaily recalls that Fat Joe also revealed that he and others made Nigerian singer BNXN, formerly known as Buju, to change his stage name.