Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has criticised much of today’s Afrobeats music, describing it as “rubbish” and accusing some artists of promoting negative values among young people.

The cleric made the remarks during the church’s Mid-year Worship Concert, where he urged gospel musicians to produce engaging songs with messages capable of guiding and discipling the younger generation.

‘Most Afrobeats Are Saying Rubbish’

According to Enenche, many mainstream Afrobeats songs lack meaningful content and instead encourage harmful behaviour.

“It is better to have music that is saying something that youth is hearing than the garbage that worldly musicians sing,” he said.

“Most of those Afrobeats are just saying rubbish. Smoking Indian hemp while they are singing and influencing the youths in negative ways.”

He argued that creating attractive gospel music with strong biblical messages would provide a positive alternative for young listeners.

Calls for Word-Based Gospel Music

The pastor announced that the church would hold a Youth Fire Night on September 25 and encouraged young gospel ministers, including Prinx Emmanuel, to prepare for the programme.

Enenche said gospel music should go beyond entertainment by teaching practical life lessons.

“By the time you have this positive replacement for such garbage, then your life cannot follow such a direction,” he said.

“I trust that in time to come, more of this music will be very word-loaded to disciple you, show you steps to take, how to stay away from negative friends, how to make the right decisions and so on.”

Mixed Reactions Online

His comments have generated widespread reactions on social media.

While some Nigerians agreed that certain Afrobeats songs promote materialism, drug use and immoral lifestyles, others argued that the genre is diverse and includes artists whose music focuses on meaningful storytelling and social issues.

Enenche has consistently spoken against music and entertainment content he believes promotes immorality or negatively influences young people.