WizKid fans debate over Justin Bieber's 'Afrobeats-inspired' performance

13 August 2021, 09:49

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Fans have taken to Twitter to debate Justin Bieber's viral 'Afrobeats-inspired' performance, saying the star copied WizKid.

A video of Justin Bieber's performance at the 'Freedom Experience' concert has gone viral, after fans on Twitter debated over his song 'Freedom' featuring BEAM.

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WizKid fans have accused the singer of copying the Nigerian star without giving credit.

Fans have taken to Twitter to debate over the 'Peaches' singers recent performance for the 'Freedom Experience' concert.

The show is part of the 1DayLA event - which aims to unite and inspire communities in Los Angeles.

The purpose is to promote "hope and help" by organising "city beautification projects, back-to-school events, free medical clinics, homeless assistance, and aid distribution".

However, a video of Bieber performing his song 'Freedom' which features 26 year old Jamaican artist 'Beam', whose real name is Tyshane Thompson.

Tweeters have erupted, saying the song is inspired by 'Afrobeats' - a popular music genre which combines elements of West African music.

Whilst some enjoyed the stars performance, some have criticised the star saying he is ripping off the African music style.

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One tweeter sarcastically asked "When did WizKid bleach" - suggesting Justin was ripping off the iconic Nigerian star.

Another said: "why is he putting on an accent? if he wanted some authenticity he could’ve called wizkid or burna boy for a collab".

Whilst one Twitter user said: "Lol I swear Wizkid is soo good that Justin Bieber is copying his whole F**king Flow, can't blame him cos his whole Dream is to be as Big as Big Wiz. Big Wiz Is the GOAT".

However some fans appeared to enjoy the 'What do you mean' stars performance - saying: "I like what I just heard Justin Bieber do on some afrobeats."

Another Twitter user disagreed that Justin was inspired by WizKid, saying: "I don't know where you guys are hearing Wizkid o. Must everything be attributed to him? All I hear and see is Justin performing Afrobeats inspired song".

One tweeter even refuted the claims he was inspired by Afrobeats, saying: "It’s a Jamaican influenced song featuring a Jamaican artist, with lots of Jamaican references in the song".

concluding: "I’m shocked to see people and the tweeter thinking it’s Afrobeats".

However, WizKid fans were shocked when WizKid posted on his Instagram story following the uproar, supporting the Canadian star.

The 'Made In Lagos' icon wrote: "Dat @justinbieber vocals". Love u my g". Causing fans to speculate whether he was supporting the controversial performance.

However, the rumours were put to bed when the Nigerian star announced a remix of his song 'Essence' featuring Tems which would now star Justin Bieber.

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Justin is yet to speak on whether WizKid, or the Essence remix were the inspiration behind his performance.

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