Afrobeat star has ignited widespread conversation on social media after openly sharing his views on prayer, stating that he does not believe in it and has never prayed in his life.
In a video broadcast via his Instagram page, the outspoken musician argued that prayer has little to no impact on the outcome of people’s lives, insisting instead that human choices, actions, and personal responsibility are what truly shape one’s destiny.
According to Seun Kuti, prayer is often misunderstood and, in many cases, reduced to what he described as “childishness” and “eye service,” particularly when done publicly or aloud. He maintained that meaningful change does not come from words spoken in prayer, but from deliberate actions taken in real life.
“I have never prayed before in my life. I don’t know how to pray. I don’t believe it works,” Kuti said in the video. “Your life is your prayer. Praying in public or aloud is eye service. It is childishness.”
Expanding on his position, the Afrobeat singer explained that how a person lives, the choices they make, and the actions they take on a daily basis are the true reflections of what they believe in. To him, these actions carry more weight than verbal prayers or religious rituals.
“Your life is the prayer. What you do with your life is your prayer. That is the only prayer. Your action is prayer,” he stated.
Kuti’s comments quickly drew attention, especially when he addressed questions about God and divine will. Responding to critics who might interpret his stance as disbelief in God, he challenged what he described as the common religious understanding of God and predestination.
“This concept of God that most people have is why prayer is now completely null and void,” he argued. “Because this God you talk about, you claim He has already written down what is going to happen from the beginning to the end and His will must be done.”
According to Kuti, if everything in life has already been predetermined by divine will, then prayer becomes ineffective unless it aligns perfectly with that will. In his view, this contradiction is rarely explained by religious leaders, whom he accused of benefiting from people’s belief in prayer.
“So, except your prayer aligns with His will, your prayer will not be answered,” he said. “But clerics won’t tell you this because they want to exploit you.”
The musician went further to argue that practical problem-solving should take precedence over prayer. He stressed that relying solely on prayer without action does little to resolve real-life challenges, pointing to societal issues as examples.
“I solve my problems. I don’t pray over my problems,” Kuti remarked. “If prayer solves problems, prisons and hospitals would be empty.”
His remarks have since sparked mixed reactions online, with many praising his honesty and consistency with his long-held Afrobeat philosophy of social consciousness and self-awareness. Others, however, strongly disagreed, describing his comments as dismissive of faith and spiritual beliefs that millions of people around the world hold dear.
Some social media users argued that prayer and action can coexist, noting that for many believers, prayer provides emotional strength, hope, and moral guidance, even if it does not directly eliminate hardship. Others countered that Kuti’s views highlight the danger of blind faith and the need for accountability, discipline, and conscious effort in personal and societal development.
Seun Kuti is known for his unapologetic stance on social, political, and religious issues, often challenging systems and ideologies he believes contribute to exploitation or stagnation. As the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, he has continued his father’s legacy of using music and public commentary to provoke thought and debate.
While his comments on prayer may be controversial, they align with his broader philosophy that emphasizes self-determination, critical thinking, and action-oriented living. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his views, the discussion they have generated reflects ongoing tensions between faith, personal responsibility, and modern social realities.
As conversations continue across social media platforms, Kuti’s statements once again place him at the center of public discourse, reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s most fearless and thought-provoking voices in music and social commentary.
Follow Africa Live News on social media for more updates:
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/africalivenews2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africalivenews
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africalivenews
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@africalivenews
Africa Live News – bringing you the stories shaping Africa and the world.
