Seun Kuti – ‘I’m only artist who stops people from spraying me’

Afrobeat sensation Seun Kuti boldly claims to stand alone among Nigeria’s music elite in his refusal to partake in the tradition of currency spraying during performances.

Seun Kuti

In a landscape where many artists, particularly those in the fuji genre, actively encourage audiences to shower them with money, Kuti’s stance is a striking departure.

His remarks come at a time when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is intensifying its crackdown on such practices, highlighting the societal and economic implications of what is often seen as a cultural norm.

Speaking in a video message shared via his Instagram account, he said:

“I don’t even like to be sprayed. I’m the only artist that stops people from spraying me. Even my dad, the legendary Fela didn’t prevent people from spraying him but he demanded the denominations he wanted to be sprayed.

“Nobody wey Sunny Ade never sing for so he can be sprayed. Everybody name. KWAM 1 … eh eh. It is the politicians that made spraying a standard behaviour.”

His refusal to participate in currency spraying reflects a broader critique of societal values and norms, particularly regarding wealth display and the glorification of materialism. By taking a stand against this practice, Kuti not only challenges prevailing customs but also asserts his own principles and integrity as an artist.

In a music scene often characterized by flamboyance and excess, Kuti’s outspoken stance serves as a reminder of the power of individual conviction and the potential for artists to influence social norms. As he navigates the complexities of fame and artistic expression, Seun Kuti emerges as a beacon of authenticity, unafraid to chart his own course even in the face of entrenched traditions and expectations.

“Nobody wey Sunny Ade never sing for so he can be sprayed. Everybody name. KWAM 1 … eh eh. It is the politicians that made spraying a standard behaviour.”