Afrobeat sensation Seun Kuti has stirred controversy by asserting that he is the lone artist in Nigeria who refuses to allow fans to spray him with currency bills during performances.
In a recent Instagram video, Kuti addressed the prevalent practice of audience members showering musicians with money, particularly during fuji music performances. He alleged that many artists, including fuji musicians, actively encourage this behavior to attract financial gain.
“I don’t even like to be sprayed. I’m the only artist that stops people from spraying me,” Kuti declared in the video. He went on to highlight the influence of politicians in perpetuating the tradition of currency spraying, suggesting that it has become ingrained in Nigerian culture.
Kuti drew comparisons to his legendary father, Fela Kuti, noting that while Fela did not prohibit currency spraying, he had specific preferences regarding the denominations he wished to receive. This contrasts sharply with Kuti’s own stance, indicating a departure from the norm within the music industry.
According to Kuti, the ongoing crackdown by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Naira abusers has further spotlighted the issue of currency spraying during musical performances. He implied that the pressure from authorities to curb such practices has prompted him to take a stand against it.
“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,” Kuti remarked, suggesting that the influence of politicians extends beyond governance and into cultural norms.
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