Nigerian Afrobeats star Mr Eazihas shared on the challenges of touring across Africa, describing it as far more difficult than performing in the United States or Europe.
The singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur spoke candidly about the logistical, infrastructural, and bureaucratic hurdles that African artists often face, sharing a personal experience at the Kenyan border that highlights these difficulties.
Speaking during the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogue, Mr Eazi told journalists and industry stakeholders that while Africa is home to Afrobeats, touring across the continent presents unique challenges that many outsiders may not understand.
“Touring in America or Europe is straightforward. The systems, the venues, the ticketing platforms, the production teams — everything is structured. In Africa, it’s a completely different story,” Mr Eazi said.
He went on to recount a particular incident when trying to enter Kenya for a paid performance, which left him frustrated and highlighted the hurdles African artists can face even within the continent.
“I had a confirmed show, the band was ready, and everything was paid for. Yet, when I arrived at the Kenyan border, I was stopped. My band members, who were non-Nigerian nationals, went through without issue, but I was held up for hours,” he explained.
The experience, Mr Eazi said, was a stark reminder of the inconsistent border policies and immigration processes that artists navigating multiple African countries often encounter.
“These delays cost time, money, and energy. It affects the performance, the team, and even the fans waiting for you. It’s not just frustrating; it’s a barrier to cultural exchange,” he added.
“In some cities, getting the equipment, sound systems, and lighting ready can be a full-time job. Flights are often unpredictable, and getting approvals for visas and work permits takes longer than the show itself sometimes,” he said.
The musician noted that despite these obstacles, African fans are among the most passionate and energetic audiences in the world.
For Mr Eazi, that makes the challenges worthwhile, even if the journey is more complicated than touring abroad.
“The love from African fans is incredible. They sing your songs, they travel to the shows, and they make all the difficulties worth it. But the systems around touring still need improvement,” he said.
Beyond performing, Mr Eazi has invested heavily in supporting other African artists through his emPawa Africa initiative, which provides funding, mentorship, and exposure to emerging talent across the continent.
The platform aims to reduce some of the barriers that he himself has faced while touring.
“My goal is to create a system where African artists don’t have to worry about these logistical nightmares. They should focus on music, not immigration offices or faulty equipment,” he added.
“Artists will continue to take Afrobeats global, but we must also make it easier to tour at home,” Mr Eazi said.
“It’s not about complaining. It’s about solving problems so that African music can thrive everywhere — from Lagos to Nairobi to Johannesburg,” he concluded.