“Flavour Couldn’t Sell Out the London Venue Wizkid Easily Sold Out Because He Doesn’t Get Support From Yoruba People” - Kelly Hansome

Nigerian singer Kelly Hansome has stirred controversy after making a bold claim about the challenges faced by Igbo artistes in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, alleging that Flavour does not receive enough support from Yoruba fans. The singer made the claim while discussing tribal sentiments and support within the Nigerian music industry, comparing Flavour’s London concert performance with that of Afrobeats superstar Wizkid.

According to Kelly Hansome, Flavour’s inability to sell out the London venue was partly because Yoruba fans, whom he believes make up a significant portion of the Nigerian music audience in London, did not support the singer.

“Flavour went to London. Flavour could not sell out the same venue where Wizkid sells out easily. Who are the people who were supposed to buy those tickets? Yoruba people,” he said.

He continued:

“But when it’s an Igbo artist, they don’t want to buy tickets. That’s why he could not sell out the show.”

His comments have sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians debating whether tribal sentiments genuinely influence the commercial success of Nigerian artistes at home and abroad.

While Kelly Hansome presented his claim as an issue of unequal support, the statement has also reignited the long-running conversation about ethnicity and tribalism within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Kelly Hansome also defended his willingness to speak openly about issues he believes are important, insisting that he would rather say what he considers the truth than remain silent simply to avoid criticism.

“If you don’t want to come to my show because I said something that is the truth, then why are we playing Fela’s music now?” he asked.

The singer referenced legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, whose politically charged music has remained popular decades after his death. According to Kelly, even members of the Nigerian Police Force continue to enjoy Fela’s music despite the musician’s famously critical stance toward the government and security agencies.

Kelly Hansome went on to make a broader point about Fela’s music and the Nigerian Police.

“Because I see everybody playing Fela, Fela. The police in Nigeria, the Nigerian police, they play Fela’s music the most. Go to police barracks; they are just dancing to it. They know the truth more than anyone,” he said.

He then connected Fela’s music to conversations about citizens’ rights, joking about the familiar interaction between police officers and Nigerians.

“That’s why a police officer would say, ‘You know your rights, right? Don’t worry, when we get to the police station…’”

Kelly Hansome’s comments have since generated mixed reactions, with some agreeing that tribalism can affect support for Nigerian artistes, while others have questioned the basis for attributing Flavour’s ticket sales to Yoruba fans.

Either way, the singer’s remarks have once again pushed the sensitive issue of tribal loyalty, fan support and competition among Nigeria’s biggest music stars into the spotlight.