I’ve Been Blacklisted In Nigerian Music Industry For 13 Years - Seun Kuti

Afrobeats star Seun Kuti said he has been Blacklisted in the Nigerian music industry for over 13 years because of the kind of music he makes.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Selah Meditate podcast, the 43-year-old also said government influence has reduced the depth and message of today’s Nigerian music.

He explained that because his father, Fela Kuti and other artists in that era used music to challenge bad leadership, the government became wary of such messages.

Seun Kuti emphasized that more attention and support were given to artists who avoid serious social issues, while those who sing about real-life problems were ignored.

“The impact of Fela and his contemporaries who spoke truth to power scared the government,” he said.

“They made the government realised the power of artistry. So, the government invested more in artistes who don’t make conscious music than artistes who sing about realities.”

Seun noted that despite being Blacklisted in Nigeria, he has not stopped his success.

“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.

“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.”