Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has claimed he has faced blacklisting in Nigeria’s music industry for over a decade due to his style of music and outspoken views.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Saleh Meditate podcast, the singer said his experience is tied to the legacy of his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose music often challenged political authority.
According to Seun Kuti, the influence of conscious music in the past made authorities wary of artists who address societal issues, leading to a preference for entertainers who avoid such themes.
“The impact of Fela and his contemporaries who spoke truth to power scared the government. They made the government realise the power of artistry. So, the government invested more in artists who don’t make conscious music than artists who sing about realities,” he said.
Kuti further stated that his challenges within the Nigerian music scene intensified after a performance at an event linked to former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, adding that restrictions on his music existed even before then.
“When I am in Nigeria, I don’t fear to say whatever I want to say. That is a lot of people are saying that I should be cancelled. I have been cancelled for about 13 years now after I performed conscious music at former Lagos State Governor Ambode’s event. Even before then, my music was heavily restricted,” he said.
READ ALSO:
- Nigeria Demands Justice over Death of another National in South African Police Custody
- Diphtheria Outbreak: Alli slams Makinde over Oyo’s poor immunization coverage
- FG Raises 241,000 retirees pension from N12.15bn to N14.83bn – PenCom
- Presidential Candidates Petition Tinubu Over Alleged Manipulation of NBBF Elections
- 2028 Olympics Qualifier: Super Falcons thrash Comoros to book third round spot
Despite the situation, the singer noted that the alleged blacklisting has not significantly affected his career, as his audience extends beyond Nigeria.
“I have been cancelled for long. People think I am not cancelled because I am doing well. Nigeria has cancelled me long time but Nigeria is just like a really small percentage of my market. So, being cancelled doesn’t really affect me.”
Prompt News reports he added that artists who fear being blacklisted are often those whose primary audience is within Nigeria.
