Social media is not as powerful as we think – Seun Kuti

Singer, Seun Kuti has reacted to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, questioning the effectiveness of social media campaigns in addressing such crises.

Speaking in a video, Seun referenced the global “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign that followed the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014, arguing that years of online advocacy did not ultimately secure the return of all the victims.

The singer argued that Nigerians often repeat the same methods despite seeing little success.

Seun also downplayed the influence many people attribute to social media, insisting that online posts and videos alone are insufficient to drive meaningful action.

He said’

“Your nation deserve more than video from you. Let me tell you people something. This social media, have told you people, is not as powerful as you think it is.

“If this social media get that power wey una think say e get, there is no way the government will allow you use it. If this social media say get the power wey una think say e get… this social media is regulated. The algorithm, they know. They can off… my last video they off the audio. I come back, they no come let me post am. They can decide. They can do what they like.

“If this social media was actually what you think it is, there’s no way the government will allow you have access to use it.”

He concluded by urging Nigerians to move beyond online activism and seek more impactful ways of demanding accountability.

“So we believe say we just need to do video. Once we don go online do video, that’s what we need. Once we have done…” he said, suggesting that posting on social media should not be mistaken for meaningful action.