American rapper and singer Azealia Banks has taken a swipe at Mavin Records star Rema, sharing her controversial thoughts on Afrobeats.

Speaking on the Cheapy’s Two Cents podcast, she described Rema as a “boy” while stressing that she prefers listening to patois over pidgin.

She made the remarks when asked about the global rise of Afrobeats and its leading stars.

Instead of applauding the genre’s success, the rapper launched into a blunt critique that left listeners stunned.

Banks said, “I don’t want to listen to someone singing in pidgin; I would even prefer patois,” adding that the word “Nigerian” literally meant “nigga’ria.” She continued, “I can’t love Nigerians as they want to be loved,” and went further to claim, “Nigeria has no culture,” criticizing what she described as shallow cultural expressions.

She also slammed Nigerian singer Rema, calling him a “skinny little boy” and dismissing his music, saying she is not into “such boys’ music.”

However, Banks praised Tiwa Savage, describing her as “exceptional” and the only Nigerian artist she enjoys listening to, noting that her criticism does not extend to all Nigerian musicians.

Her comments have sparked outrage online, with fans defending Afrobeats and Nigerian culture, while others debate her selective praise for Tiwa Savage amid her broader criticisms.