Nviiri the Storyteller has criticised African artistes who align themselves with governments and institutions he believes symbolize neo-colonial influence across the continent.
In a lengthy statement shared on his Instagram account on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the singer argued that artistes should not become tools for political image-building or public relations campaigns tied to powerful leaders and foreign governments.
According to Nviiri, art should represent truth, resistance, and social consciousness rather than political convenience.
“ARTISTS ARE NOT STATE ORNAMENTS. WE ARE NOT PR MACHINERY. WE ARE NOT PUPPETS. ART IS MEMORY. ART IS RESISTANCE,” he wrote.
“ART IS CONSCIENCE. AFRICAN ARTISTS MUST STOP BECOMING DECORATION FOR POWER.”
Concerns over proximity to power
The musician expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture among African creatives seeking validation through political connections instead of standing with ordinary citizens and liberation causes.
Nviiri particularly questioned artistes who publicly associate themselves with governments and institutions linked to colonial history, insisting that Pan-African ideals were historically rooted in resistance against oppression.
“There’s a dangerous trend of artists mistaking proximity to power for impact. As Africans, we cannot continuously speak about culture, liberation and community – then comfortably sit at tables with governments whose histories on this continent are rooted in exploitation, extraction and control,” he stated.
He also criticised attempts to associate modern diplomatic relationships with Pan-Africanism.
“And no, France does not get to suddenly call itself ‘Pan-African.’ Pan-Africanism was born from resistance against colonialism, not from the same powers that benefited from it,” he added.
Reference to West African tensions
Nviiri also pointed to ongoing political tensions in parts of West Africa, where anti-French sentiments and debates around foreign influence have intensified in recent years.
According to the singer, it felt contradictory to witness African public figures celebrating systems and institutions that many Africans continue to challenge.
“Across West Africa, people have been risking everything to push back against French influence and neo-colonial control. So watching Africans roll out red carpets, smile for cameras and celebrate these same structures feels deeply disconnected from the spirit of true African solidarity,” he wrote.
“A friend to my enemy automatically becomes my enemy. We cannot claim to stand for African liberation while entertaining the very systems many Africans are actively fighting to free themselves from.”
Questions on integrity and values
The musician further questioned whether some celebrities still uphold the principles they once publicly defended before gaining fame, influence, and political access.
“It’s funny how speaking against harmful agendas in our communities – matters like alcoholism and exploitative brand culture – was once scoffed at and treated like ‘doing too much.’ But now suddenly smiling, shaking hands and breaking bread with Emmanuel Macron is supposed to be called growth, diplomacy or representation? So what exactly do you stand for when the cameras are off?” he posed.
His personal stand
Nviiri concluded by reaffirming his commitment to remaining grounded in community values rather than political influence or elite access.
“As for me, I will continue striving to be a community artist before anything else. An artist for the people. An artist with principles. An artist whose voice cannot be bought by access, proximity or power. Because integrity is expensive. And not everybody can afford it,” he said.
