In a recent interview with The Public Republic, Seun Kuti, a Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician, aired his grievances with the Nigerian media for what he perceives as a consistent pattern of overlooking his achievements in favour of showering Burna Boy with accolades.
Kuti pinpointed two specific instances of what he views as media slights:
- Coachella snub: He contested the widespread narrative that Burna Boy was the first Nigerian artist to grace the Coachella stage in 2020. Kuti himself had performed at the iconic festival back in 2012, and this apparent erasure of his accomplishment stings. Kuti’s performance at Coachella in 2012 marked a significant moment for Afrobeat music on the world stage, helping to bring the genre to a wider audience. Yet, when Burna Boy took the stage eight years later, the media coverage often portrayed him as a pioneer, neglecting to acknowledge Kuti’s earlier achievement. This perceived lack of recognition underscores Kuti’s frustration with the media’s tendency to focus on the new and sensational, overlooking the foundational contributions of artists like himself.
- Grammy disparity: Kuti detailed his own Grammy history, highlighting the lack of recognition from African award shows for his album “Black Times” despite its Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album. He further expressed disappointment that the Nigerian media failed to acknowledge his 2024 Grammy nomination for his contributions to Janelle Monae’s “Age of Pleasure” (nominated for Album of the Year). This snub feels particularly glaring when contrasted with the media’s enthusiastic coverage of Burna Boy’s Grammy nomination for “African Giant” in the Best World Music Album category. Kuti’s multiple Grammy nominations represent a significant accomplishment for any musician, but especially for an Afrobeat artist. The genre has a long and rich history, and Kuti’s nominations place him amongst the elite ranks of contemporary Afrobeat performers. Yet, the Nigerian media’s focus on Burna Boy’s singular Grammy nod, while failing to mention Kuti’s nominations, suggests a preference for flashier achievements over artistic merit. This perspective can be discouraging for established artists like Kuti, who have dedicated their careers to pushing the boundaries of Afrobeat music.
Kuti’s comments lay bare a sentiment of being undervalued by the Nigerian media. He feels his accomplishments, including multiple Grammy nominations and a trailblazing performance at Coachella, are not accorded their rightful recognition. The comparisons to Burna Boy further amplify this frustration, suggesting Kuti believes his contributions to Afrobeat music warrant similar levels of media attention.
