Wizkid & Asake on AI in Afrobeats: A Tool, Not a Replacement, for the Next Generation

Analysis: In a rare joint interview, two of Africa’s biggest music exports chart a pragmatic course for emerging technology in creative industries.

In a landscape increasingly dominated by discussions of artificial intelligence, the perspective of established artists carries significant weight. In a recent interview for Instagram’s ‘Close Friends Only,’ Afrobeats titans Wizkid and Asake moved beyond simplistic hype or fear, offering a measured, artist-centric vision for AI’s role in the future of music and video production.

Their comments, made during a conversation promoting their upcoming collaborative EP ‘Real,’ reveal a consensus: AI is an inevitable part of the creative future, but its highest value lies in enhancement, not origination.

The Enhancement Ethos: Wizkid’s Cautious Openness

Grammy Award-winner Wizkid articulated a position that many veteran creatives are beginning to embrace. He recounted being impressed by AI-generated cinematic imagery, even reaching out to the creator. “I’m open to whatever,” he stated, demonstrating a willingness to experiment.

However, he drew a critical line. “But as creatives or entertainers, I don’t think it’s advisable to make everything AI. Let’s create our own content and enhance it with the help of AI. That’s the future,” Wizkid asserted. This distinction is crucial. It positions AI not as a replacement for human creativity but as a sophisticated tool in the post-production arsenal—a new kind of studio plugin for a digital age.

Asake’s Defense of the Human Process

For Asake, the Grammy-nominated sensation known for his energetic performances, the value of art is inextricably linked to the human process behind it. His argument centers on the intangible magic that precedes the final product.

“Coming together with geniuses, coming together with great minds to talk about ideas, then seeing those ideas come to life… There’s no good show without creating something before the show,” Asake explained. His view underscores that the collaboration, the rehearsal, the friction of ideas—the journey itself—is what gives the art its soul and authenticity. AI, in this framework, risks bypassing the very experiences that make performance meaningful.

Broader Context: AI at the Crossroads of Global Music

The stance taken by Wizkid and Asake reflects a growing, global conversation. From the Hollywood writers’ strikes to the proliferation of AI “ghostwriters” in pop, industries are grappling with how to harness technology without eroding human artistry and economic rights.

Afrobeats, as a genre experiencing explosive global growth, faces unique questions. Its appeal is often rooted in specific cultural rhythms, linguistic nuance, and palpable energy—elements that are deeply human. The artists’ cautious approach suggests a desire to protect this cultural specificity while still leveraging technological advances to refine their sound and visuals for a global market.

Legacy and Collaboration: A Blueprint for the Future

The interview also served as a mutual admiration session, highlighting why their collaboration works. Asake revealed their hit ‘MMS’ was crafted with Wizkid in mind, praising his peer’s “greatness” and authenticity. Wizkid, in turn, celebrated Asake’s unique sound as “gold.”

This exchange points to the true engine of Afrobeats’ rise: irreplaceable human talent and collaboration. Wizkid framed their partnership as a model: “Coming together like this shows the next generation of stars from Africa that nothing is impossible.” Their message on AI extends this philosophy—technology should facilitate and amplify human connection and creativity, not substitute for it.

The Bottom Line for Artists and Fans

The takeaway from Wizkid and Asake is a balanced, pragmatic roadmap. For aspiring artists, the advice is to master their craft first and view AI as a powerful adjunct. For fans, it offers reassurance that the heart of Afrobeats—the human emotion, cultural fusion, and live vibrancy—remains the priority for its leading figures.

As the technological tide rises, these stars are not building walls but advocating for a human-first creative dock, where AI is a tool that serves the artist’s vision, not the other way around.

Primary Source: This analysis is based on reporting from Premium Times Nigeria, which featured the original interview with Wizkid and Asake.