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Nigerian media gave Burna Boy credits for records I set – Seun Kuti
Seun Kuti, the Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician, expressed frustration over what he perceives as Burna Boy receiving credit for achievements already attained by others in the Nigerian music industry.
In a recent interview with The Public Republic, Seun Kuti highlighted instances where Burna Boy was erroneously credited. He pointed out that Burna Boy was widely reported as the first Nigerian artist to perform at Coachella in 2020, despite Seun Kuti himself having performed at the festival back in 2012.
Seun Kuti also noted that before Burna Boy’s Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album with “African Giant,” his elder brother Femi Kuti had received multiple Grammy nominations in the same category.
Regarding his own recognition, Seun Kuti lamented that his album ‘Black Times‘ had been nominated for Best World Music Album years ago, but no African award organizers considered it for a nomination.
He expressed frustration that even when he earned another Grammy nomination for his contributions to Janelle Monae’s ‘Age of Pleasure,’ which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammys, the Nigerian media did not mention him among the Nigerian artists nominated for the 66th Grammys.
Seun Kuti criticized the media for what he sees as a pattern of overlooking his achievements, stating, “That’s what they do every time, as if I’m from Togo.”
His comments underscore ongoing debates within the Nigerian music industry about recognition, authenticity, and the appropriation of achievements.
“That’s how they said Burna Boy is the first Nigerian artiste to play in Coachella in 2020 when me I’ve played in 2012. As if I’m from Togo”
– Seun Kuti pic.twitter.com/jB96mcMZAU
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) June 18, 2024