Nviiri criticises African artistes who align themselves with govt and neo-colonial system
By Valerian Khakayi, May 12, 2026Kenyan musician Nviiri Sande, widely known as Nviiri the Storyteller, has strongly criticised African artistes who associate themselves with governments and systems he believes represent neo-colonial influence on the continent.
In a lengthy statement shared on his official Instagram account on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Nviiri argued that artistes should not serve as ornaments of political power or public-relations tools for leaders and foreign governments.
According to Nviiri, art should stand for memory, resistance and conscience rather than serving political interests.
“ARTISTS ARE NOT STATE ORNAMENTS. WE ARE NOT PR MACHINERY. WE ARE NOT PUPPETS. ART IS MEMORY. ART IS RESISTANCE,” Nviiri wrote.
“ART IS CONSCIENCE. AFRICAN ARTISTS MUST STOP BECOMING DECORATION FOR POWER.”
The musician expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of African creatives seeking validation through proximity to power instead of standing with ordinary citizens and liberation movements.
Nviiri particularly questioned African artistes who publicly associate with governments or institutions linked to colonial history, arguing that true Pan-Africanism was built through 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 added.
“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.”
The singer also referenced ongoing tensions in parts of West Africa, where anti-French sentiments and debates around foreign influence have continued to grow in recent years.
According to him, watching African figures celebrate and align themselves with such systems feels disconnected from the ideals of African solidarity and liberation
“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.”
Nviiri further questioned whether some public figures still stand for the same values they once claimed to defend before fame, influence and political access entered the picture.
“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 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 stand
The musician maintained that he would rather remain a community-based artiste whose work and voice cannot be influenced by access to power.
“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,” Nviiri said.