Grammy-nominated Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has alleged that he has been unofficially blacklisted in the Nigerian music industry for more than 13 years due to his style of socially conscious music.
In a recent appearance on the Saleh Meditate podcast, he explained that his approach to music—heavily influenced by his father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy of activism—has made him unpopular with certain industry and political powers.
He claimed that after Fela and other artists used music to challenge bad governance, authorities became more cautious of “conscious” musicians, allegedly shifting support towards entertainers who avoid political or social commentary.
“The impact of Fela and his contemporaries who spoke truth to power sacred the government. They made the government realised 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 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.”
Despite the claims, Seun Kuti insisted that the alleged blacklisting has had little to no impact on his career, noting that his audience extends beyond Nigeria.
