Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has made a bold statement, asserting himself as the only musician in Nigeria who refuses to be showered with money while performing. His declaration comes amidst the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) levying naira mutilation charges against some celebrities.
In a video shared on his Instagram account, Kuti addressed the prevalent practice among musicians, particularly Fuji artists, of encouraging people to spray money during performances. Contrary to this trend, Kuti revealed that he actively discourages such displays of wealth. He attributed the cultural norm to the influence of politicians.
Kuti emphasized that even his renowned father, Fela Kuti, did not prohibit people from spraying him money but specified the denominations he preferred. He pointed out that artists like Sunny Ade and KWAM 1 have all experienced similar treatment, perpetuating the tradition influenced by politicians.
In another development, Kuti expressed skepticism regarding Forbes’ recently released 2024 billionaire list. The list, featuring Bernard Arnault, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Ellison as the world’s richest individuals, raised eyebrows. Kuti argued that the wealth accumulation depicted in the list was implausible, suggesting it was fabricated.
He questioned the notion that these billionaires could amass such vast fortunes within the span of the COVID-19 lockdown, expressing disbelief in their purported work ethic. Kuti’s critique challenges conventional narratives surrounding extreme wealth accumulation and prompts reflection on societal perceptions of success and labor.
