Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi has raised concerns about the persistent challenges African artistes and entrepreneurs face when crossing borders, describing the situation as a major setback to continental unity and economic development.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues on Friday, February 6, 2026, Mr Eazi said that despite his international success, travelling and doing business within Africa often proves more difficult than touring Europe or the Americas.
“In the last 10 years, I have spent six of those years as a singer touring the world. During that time, it was easier to tour the Americas and Europe as a young artiste than to tour Africa. Even after I had the biggest song on the continent, it became harder for me to tour other African countries,” he said.
He recounted a personal experience in Kenya, where he was delayed by immigration officials despite being the lead performer and having already received payment for the show.
“I remember going to Kenya to perform with my band. Even though I had already been paid the larger portion of the fee and was the lead performer, my band, made up of other nationalities, was allowed to cross the border while I was held up by immigration,” he explained.
“I had to insist that I be put on the next flight. That experience speaks to the kind of friction being created, which is preventing us from uniting, growing stronger, and developing as a continent,” Mr Eazi added.
He noted that over the past four years, he has shifted greater focus towards entrepreneurship in an effort to help address these barriers to intra-African mobility.
“This friction is felt most by the youth, artistes, creators, women, and SMEs who are not only trying to improve their lives but also contribute meaningfully to a better Africa,” he said.
