Nigerian Afrobeat icon and activist Seun Kuti, following widespread conversations around his outspoken views, has set the record straight on a vital aspect of his stance.
While his critiques have often focused on colonial and imperial systems, he clarified that his opposition is not directed at European individuals but rather the structures of oppression they represent.
Seun Kuti recently addressed misunderstandings about his position on Europeans, stating, “I have nothing against European people.” Instead, he emphasized his focus on dismantling the historical and contemporary impacts of European colonialism and imperialism on Africa. According to Kuti, the lingering effects of these systems have perpetuated inequality, exploitation, and the erosion of African identity.
His clarification underscores a nuanced approach: separating people from oppressive systems. This perspective, he believes, is essential for Africans to reclaim their autonomy and rewrite their history on their terms.
Seun Kuti has also turned his lens on Nigeria’s colonial history, using Lagos as a focal point to shed light on overlooked narratives. He highlighted that the name “Lagos” is of Portuguese origin, derived from the city’s role during the transatlantic slave trade.
In his words, “Lagos is a Portuguese word. It is called the slave coast. Learn your history.” For Kuti, these historical insights are not just facts but calls to action—reminders of Africa’s need to confront its past and reclaim its identity.
Kuti has not limited his critiques to the distant past; he is equally vocal about the behavior of contemporary African leaders. He recently criticized UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for distancing herself from Nigeria, calling her comments dismissive of African heritage.
Kuti went further to suggest that African nations should consider barring such individuals from returning to the continent, pointing to their apparent disconnection from their cultural roots. This stance reflects his belief that African leaders must champion the continent’s interests rather than maintain ties with former colonial powers.
Kuti’s advocacy extends beyond critique; it is rooted in a vision of African autonomy and self-reliance. He has consistently called on Africans to critically assess the systems that perpetuate inequality, urging them to challenge narratives that undermine their progress.
For Kuti, dismantling colonial legacies isn’t just a political goal—it’s a cultural and spiritual imperative. He believes that true liberation begins when Africans confront the historical injustices that shaped their present and actively work to chart a new course.
Seun Kuti’s recent clarifications and bold critiques shine a spotlight on the complexities of colonialism’s impact on Africa. By separating individuals from oppressive systems, Kuti invites Africans to engage in a nuanced and informed dialogue about their history and future.
In challenging Africans to reclaim their identity and autonomy, Kuti continues the legacy of his father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, using his platform to inspire change. His message is clear: the fight against colonialism is not personal but systemic, and the journey to a self-determined Africa starts with understanding its past and taking charge of its narrative.
