Grammy-nominated Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, has claimed that he has been blacklisted in the Nigerian music industry for about 13 years because of the nature of his music.
He explained that his style, which focuses on social and political issues, is similar to that of his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who used music as a tool to speak against bad governance.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Saleh Meditate podcast, Seun Kuti alleged that the government deliberately promotes less conscious artistes while sidelining those who address real societal issues.
According to him, this has negatively affected the quality and impact of modern Nigerian music.
He, however, noted that being blacklisted in Nigeria has not significantly affected his career, as the country represents only a small portion of his global audience.
He Said: “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.
“When I Am In Nigeria, I Don’t Fear To Say Whatever I Want To Say. That Is Why 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.
“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.”
He added that many artistes fear being blacklisted mainly because Nigeria makes up a large part of their fanbase.
