Seun Kuti, the acclaimed Afrobeats sensation, has come forward with shocking revelations regarding the near-collapse of his career following a tumultuous altercation with a police officer.
The incident, which unfolded on the Third Mainland Bridge in May 2023, led to his arraignment before the Lagos State Magistrate’s Court and subsequent detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba.
The heated confrontation that triggered this ordeal was captured in a viral video that swiftly circulated across the internet, depicting Seun Kuti slapping a police officer. The altercation, which escalated from a heated argument, prompted the artist to take a defensive stance to protect both himself and his family.
In a candid discussion during an Instagram Live video, Seun Kuti shared the depth of the crisis he confronted during this trying period. He expressed his exasperation at being associated with negative headlines and controversies, often finding his name linked with the likes of Sam Larry and Naira Marley, irrespective of whether he was involved in an arrest or not.
Kuti revealed, “I’m tired of seeing my name everywhere attached to Sam Larry, Naira Marley, arrest or no arrest, police or no police. I’m really tired, and I don’t want you guys to join me in your issues. That was how una used una mouth nearly spoil my life, nearly destroying my career with una yeye keypad and computer.
“I missed five or six big shows this summer just because I defended my life and the life of my family. For that reason, Nigerians wanted my life to be ended, for me to be destroyed, and nobody cared.”
He went on to criticize the public’s perception of the incident, where the Nigeria Police Force appeared to be portrayed as innocent and peaceful, while he was labeled as the instigator. Kuti lamented, “Nigeria Police suddenly became an innocent and peaceful force on earth. And Seun became the mad person that left his house looking for police to quarrel with. That was the picture you people painted about me then.”
This candid revelation from Seun Kuti sheds light on the challenges faced by public figures when caught in controversial situations and underscores the importance of accurate portrayal and fair judgment in such incidents.
Despite the tumultuous period he endured, Seun Kuti remains committed to his musical career and the pursuit of justice.
