Seun Kuti, renowned Afrobeats star and son of the legendary Fela Kuti, has raised concerns about the prevalent disrespect toward African women within the music industry, particularly among African artists.
In a recent online video addressing his fans, Kuti expressed his observation that African women are often subjected to disrespect by African musicians, highlighting a pervasive issue that warrants attention and rectification.
Kuti lamented that nobody talks down on African women quite like African musicians, a trend that he finds alarming and disheartening. He emphasized the negative impact such attitudes have on the perception of African women, both within the continent and beyond.
Furthermore, Kuti noted that this disrespect extends even to African Americans who, despite their African heritage, sometimes choose to identify solely as Americans. This phenomenon reflects broader issues of identity and cultural representation within the African diaspora.
During his address, Kuti cited examples of disrespectful lyrics frequently found in songs by African artists, which perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce negative perceptions of African women. He underscored the need for greater awareness and responsibility among musicians in crafting their lyrics and portraying women in a more positive and respectful light.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.