Nigerian afrobeat artist and multi-instrumentalist, Omorinmade Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known as Made Kuti, has shed light on the complex legacy of his grandfather, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, revealing that the Afrobeat legend died in poverty despite his international acclaim.
In a recent interview on the Tea With Tay podcast, hosted by Taymesan on August 2, Made spoke candidly about growing up in the iconic Kuti family, addressing privilege, legacy, and the harsh realities of Fela’s life and death.
“He was broke. Fela died poor,” Made said. “He made the kind of money that could’ve bought a whole street. But when he came back from shows, he’d open a box of cash and say, ‘Anybody that needs, take.’ His house was an open house. Anybody could walk in.”
According to Made, Fela’s unwavering generosity and communal philosophy meant he gave away much of what he earned. He revealed that Fela refused to let his children call him “dad” or give him any special recognition because he believed everyone in Kalakuta was equal.
“I think they lived it. My father and aunt need therapy. They saw him rise, fall, and die without ever being treated differently.”
Privilege, Pressure, and Performance
Made also addressed the notion of privilege associated with his last name and the belief that his path in the music industry has been easier because of it.
“I would never deny that being a Kuti opened doors for me. But music is one of the worst professions where nepotism can work because it’s brutally honest. If I perform and I’m not good, people will know. You can’t fake it.”
He highlighted how many music genres — punk, blues, jazz, hip-hop — emerged from struggle, and how Fela embodied that experience, using music to channel his pain and oppression.
“Every time he was beaten or jailed, he came back with a stronger song. After they beat him, came Zombie, Suffering and Smiling. That was his weapon.”
Fela’s Final Years: Rejected at Home, Revered Abroad
Despite Fela’s powerful legacy and status as a fearless critic of corruption and oppression, Made revealed that his grandfather was not fully appreciated by Nigerians during his final years.
“By ’96, ’97, the media and public opinion had turned on him. People weren’t speaking positively about him anymore.”
He recalled how, even after his death on August 2, 1997, there were doubts about whether Nigerians would show up to mourn him.
“They took him to Tafawa Balewa Square and were told, ‘Nobody’s coming.’ Then millions showed up. They carried him back to Kalakuta. It was aired on TV.”
Carrying the Torch
Now, as Made Kuti continues the musical and activist legacy of the Kuti dynasty, he remains grounded in truth and committed to forging his own path — one built not just on name recognition, but talent, purpose, and a deep respect for the weight of his heritage.
“The Kuti name stands for truth and resistance,” he said. “That’s what I’m carrying forward — not just the privilege, but the pain and purpose too.”
