Seun Kuti, however, noted that being blacklisted does not affect him much, stressing that the country represents just a fraction of his fanbase.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Afrobeats singer and instrumentalist Seun Kuti has claimed that he has been blacklisted in the Nigerian music industry for about 13 years because his style of music “speaks truth to power”.
The Grammy-nominated artist levelled the allegation recently while appearing as a guest on the latest episode of the Saleh Meditate podcast.
According to him, because his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and his contemporaries used their music as a form of protest against bad governance, the government prefers to invest in “vain” artists while actively targeting radical musicians.
He went on to say that government interference has significantly affected the quality and impact of modern Nigerian music.
He, however, maintained that being blacklisted in Nigeria does not affect him much, stressing that the country is just a fraction of his global fanbase.
Seun 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 am not afraid 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, ever since 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 a long time. People think I am not cancelled because I am doing well. Nigeria cancelled me a long time ago, but Nigeria is just a very small percentage of my market. So, being cancelled doesn’t really affect me.”
He added that artists who are afraid of being blacklisted only feel that way because Nigeria makes up the bulk of their fanbase.
