Grammy-nominated Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, recently shared his thoughts on the success of Egypt 80 band, which he has led since his father’s passing.
In an interview with City 105.1 FM, Seun Kuti expressed pride in leading the band which was passed down to him by his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
He claims that Egypt 80 is Africa’s most successful band, highlighting his role as the frontman of the band while sharing his views on the music industry and African award ceremonies.
He stated that he feels empowered to speak his mind without fear of repercussions, as he believes his music is being overlooked by the media and award organizations in Africa.
Despite receiving a Grammy nomination, Kuti expressed disappointment that his band has not been recognized in Africa.
He highlighted the band’s legacy, stating that Egypt 80 is an African musical institution with an impressive discography of 54 albums.
Seun Kuti shares his hopes that the band will receive national recognition to showcase African musical achievements on a global platform.
Kuti said:
“I won’t stop speaking my mind because I’m no longer afraid of anything you’re going to do. What are you going to do? You’re not going to play my videos? Are you not already doing this? So what are you going to do?
“Even when I got nominated for the Grammys, no award organization in the whole of Africa nominated my band in any category, knowing fully well that no matter what anybody says about me, I, Seun, am the frontman for Africa’s most successful band. 54 albums. By the time I drop my next album, it will be 55 albums.
“The band that I lead is an African musical institution. If we knew what we were doing in Africa, it would go without saying that this band should be given some kind of national recognition to keep them in the forefront of the psyche of African people all over the world, to know that Africans can achieve institutions like this. But well, that is for an African who knows what he’s doing.”