Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has claimed that he has been blacklisted in the Nigerian music industry for nearly 13 years due to his conscious style of music.
In a candid interview on the Selah Meditate podcast, the 43-year-old son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti revealed that his music, often laced with political commentary, has led to his marginalization by the industry. Seun also shared his views on how government interference has played a major role in shaping the direction of modern Nigerian music.
Seun Kuti Discusses Government’s Influence on Nigerian Music
According to Seun, his father Fela Kuti and his contemporaries, who used music as a form of protest against bad governance, became a target for the Nigerian government. The government, he argued, began to promote less politically conscious artists while sidelining those who addressed societal issues.
“The impact of Fela and his contemporaries who spoke truth to power scared the government,” Seun explained. “They made the government realise the power of artistry. So, the government invested more in artistes who don’t make conscious music than artistes who sing about realities.”
Seun Kuti’s Resilience Despite the Blacklist
Despite his claims of being blacklisted, Seun maintains that this industry rejection has not hampered his musical success. He explained that the Nigerian music industry’s decision to sideline him has had little effect on his overall career, as he continues to enjoy success outside Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
Seun further revealed that his music faced heavy restrictions before and after his performance at a 2015 event organized by former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. “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 shared.
The Impact of Being ‘Cancelled’
Seun also expressed that the idea of being “cancelled” in Nigeria doesn’t bother him much, as the country represents only a small portion of his fanbase. “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.”
Seun Kuti’s Unwavering Voice and Musical Success
Despite the hurdles he has faced within the Nigerian music industry, Seun Kuti’s commitment to using his platform for social change and truth-telling remains unwavering. His message of resilience and artistic independence continues to resonate globally, proving that conscious music can still thrive despite industry challenges.
