Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti recently expressed frustration over what he sees as a pattern of the Nigerian media giving credit to Burna Boy for milestones that he and others in the industry have already achieved.

In a candid interview with The Public Republic, Seun recalled how Burna Boy was widely reported as the first Nigerian artist to perform at Coachella in 2020, despite Seun's own performance at the festival in 2012. This, he felt, was an example of the media overlooking his contributions to the music scene.

Seun also pointed out that before Burna Boy received his first Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album with "African Giant," his elder brother, Femi Kuti, had already earned multiple nominations in the same category. Seun himself was nominated for a Grammy for his album "Black Times," yet this achievement was largely ignored by African award organizers.

The controversy didn't stop there. Despite receiving another Grammy nomination for his work on Janelle Monae’s "Age of Pleasure," which is up for Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammys, Seun noted that the Nigerian media failed to acknowledge his nomination among those of other Nigerian artists for the 66th Grammys.

"My brother Femi has been nominated at the Grammys multiple times. I've been nominated too, but my name was left out when they listed Nigerian artists nominated for the 66th Grammys. It's like they act as if I'm from Togo," Seun lamented.

He emphasized how hurtful it is to be overlooked and to see others credited for achievements he reached first. "That's how they said Burna Boy was the first Nigerian artist to play in Coachella in 2020 when I had already played there in 2012. It feels like they treat me as if I'm from another country," Seun added, clearly distressed by the recurring oversight.

Seun's comments highlight a broader issue within the industry regarding recognition and credit, urging a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of all artists' contributions to Nigerian and global music.

Seun Kuti criticizes the Nigerian media for overlooking his achievements, giving credit to Burna Boy instead. He recalls playing Coachella in 2012 and Grammy nominations.

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