In the wake of the national protests against ineffective governance, musician and activist Seun Kuti has called on Nigerians to take further steps beyond protesting and aim for true political change.

He expressed this during a recent appearance on the Rubbin Minds show, stating that just holding protests is not enough to tackle the country’s challenges.

He began, “I am going to paraphrase Martin Luther King, but he said something like, ‘I would rather live in a warzone that is just than live in a peaceful place where there are no rights because there is nothing more peaceful than an unjust society’. They have accepted their fate and keep quiet so the oppressors can do what they like.”

“Up until 10 years ago, Nigerians were the most resilient people in the world, they said we were the happiest people in the world and nobody came to give us awards for it. Now that we want to start speaking up for the betterment of ourselves, we are being charged,” the singer added.

Seun Kuti expressed concerns about activism in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of organized and systematic change instead of just holding demonstrations.

He explained, “What I will tell Nigerians is that protest is not enough. I see protests as a child going to a loving parent complaining, ‘Oh, mummy, I don’t want to eat this,’ because the daddy and mummy care. But these people don’t care; that’s why I don’t preach protest only; I preach mass organisation because we the people must also organise ourselves for power.”

“It is not enough that we are protesting because we don’t like what they do, we must also send signals that we are ready to replace them. Not with another version of themselves like we did before, PDP to APC but with new people, representatives from our side of the divide,” he added.

Seun Kuti expressed discontent with the current capitalist system and called for a change to a more socialist approach.

He stated, “It’s not enough that people protest, it is the start of the dance. We need to mass mobilise into a socialist identity to realise this country from this capitalist nonsense we are experiencing.”

Meanwhile, Kuti recently shared his positive experience working with Fireboy DML, praising the younger artist’s respectful approach. Fireboy featured several talents on his new album, Adedamola, released on August 28, 2024, with Seun Kuti among them.

Kuti reflected on their collaboration, noting that Fireboy initially reached out with an offer of financial compensation. Rather than finalizing the details over the phone, Fireboy visited Kuti’s home to work together more directly. Kuti appreciated this personal touch and was impressed with Fireboy’s professionalism and respect, contrasting it with less respectful experiences he has had in the past.