I’ve been blacklisted in music industry for 13 years – Seun Kuti
Nigerian Singer Seun Kuti Claims Blacklisting in Music Industry
Grammy-nominated Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has alleged that he has been blacklisted in the Nigerian music industry for approximately 13 years due to his musical style.
In a recent appearance on the Saleh Meditate podcast, Kuti attributed his blacklisting to the political climate in Nigeria. He explained that his late father, the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, along with other contemporary musicians, used their music to protest against governmental issues. Kuti contended that as a result, the government began to invest in artists whose work did not address social realities, leaving outspoken musicians marginalized.
“The impact of Fela and his contemporaries, who spoke truth to power, scared the government,” Kuti said. “They realized the power of artistry. Consequently, the government prioritized artists who do not create conscious music.”
Despite his claims, Kuti emphasized that the blacklisting has had little effect on his career, asserting that Nigeria represents only a small portion of his overall fanbase. “I have been cancelled for about 13 years now,” he said, referencing a performance at an event hosted by former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as a pivotal moment in his career. “People think I am not cancelled because I am doing well, but Nigeria has cancelled me for a long time.”
Kuti noted that artists who fear blacklisting are often those for whom Nigeria constitutes the majority of their audience. He stated, “Being cancelled doesn’t really affect me.”
