Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has revealed that he was once banned from Nigeria’s music industry for 13 years because of his vocal, protest-oriented style.
Seun Kuti made this revelation in a recent interview on the Selah Meditate podcast.
According to him, successive Nigerian administrations have marginalised conscientious musicians who criticise poor governance while elevating singers who steer clear of social commentary.
He added that the influence of Fela and his peers alarmed authorities by demonstrating the power of artistic expression.
He contended that the government increased funding for non-political artists as a result of this worry.
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He went on to explain that his music was severely restricted after he performed at an event hosted by former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The trend of suppression started considerably earlier, he continued.
Kuti claimed that his outspoken opinions while in Nigeria have contributed to his cancellation for more than ten years.
He insisted that because Nigeria only makes up a minor portion of his total fan base and business, the blacklisting had little effect on his career.
He said, “The impact of Fela and his contemporaries who spoke truth to power sacred 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 in 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.
