Italian-Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Charles Onyekachi Onyeabor has urged Africans to confront racism and wickedness within their own societies rather than blaming only white people.
Onyeabor, eldest son of late Afro-funk legend William Onyeabor, made the remarks in a social media post, stressing that “wickedness is not a white thing, it is a human thing.” He argued it was misleading to portray only white people as wicked, adding that humanity as a whole grapples with selfishness, racism, and cruelty.
The singer challenged the widespread notion that white people are inherently more evil. He noted that while other races often act with unity and protect their own, many Africans prioritize short-term gains over long-term collective progress.
Onyeabor illustrated his point with examples of dishonesty and betrayal in African communities. He cited cases such as land disputes, jealousy-driven poisoning, and leaders clinging to power while citizens suffer. “Did a white man do that?” he asked.
He also reminded his audience of Africa’s role in the slave trade, saying, “Don’t forget, it was black men who sold their fellow blacks into slavery in the first place. The whites didn’t just walk into Africa and start picking people.”
Addressing racism, Onyeabor highlighted contradictions in African societies. He recounted being greeted with, “How’s your Oyibo wife and Oyibo son?” and questioned why such remarks are tolerated while similar comments from white people would be condemned as racist.
The singer also criticised the treatment of mixed-race individuals, who he said often feel excluded in both black and white societies. “In the end, the child belongs everywhere yet is made to feel like they belong nowhere,” he noted.
Onyeabor further pointed to prejudice against black men married to white women and condemned deep-rooted tribalism in Africa. He cited instances where inter-ethnic marriages are resisted, calling such attitudes “hypocrisy at its peak.”
He concluded by urging Africans to confront their own biases. “This world is not divided into wicked and racist whites and innocent blacks. It is divided into wicked and racist humans and good humans,” he said.
Onyeabor is set to headline “The Charles Onyeabor Show” on October 24 in Florence, Italy.
