Mr Eazi expressed that in the early years of his music career, touring in Europe and the US was easier than touring in Africa due to regulatory challenges.
In a recent speaking engagement at the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogue, well-known Afrobeats artist Mr Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade, shared insights from his music journey and entrepreneurial endeavors. He stated that during the formative years of his career, he found it significantly easier to tour in Europe and the United States compared to navigating the complexities of touring within Africa. This highlights a larger issue faced by African artists and businesses in terms of border regulations and logistical challenges.
Mr Eazi's comments resonate with the broader sentiment among African creatives who often encounter difficulties related to visas, permits, and varying regulations across different African countries. He spoke of the irony that it was more feasible for him to perform in countries with stricter regulations outside of Africa rather than in his own continent. This situation reflects the need for improved collaboration and connectivity within Africa to foster a more conducive environment for artists and businesses.
The dialogue where Mr Eazi spoke, themed "Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate, Collaborate, Trade," serves as an important platform for discussing such challenges that African entrepreneurs face. By highlighting these issues, Mr Eazi is advocating for systemic changes that could potentially ease the path for future generations of African artists and entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive not only locally but on a global scale.
