x

Made Kuti Reveals Fela Kuti Died Poor Despite Global Fame

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.”

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Protect and Improve Your Eyesight with These Simple Daily Habits

Your eyes are one of your most precious assets...

Benue SEMA Launches E-Emergency Platforms to Tackle Humanitarian Crises

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi The Benue State Emergency Management Agency...

Kaduna Govt Backs Peace Project Using Sports to Fight Extremism

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna As part of efforts to prevent...

Troops Kill 17 Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists in Borno, Recover Weapons and Logistics

Troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation...

Oborevwori Urges NYSC Members to Embrace Patriotism, Discipline, and Selflessness

By Anne Azuka Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged...

WAEC Records Poorest WASSCE Results in Five Years

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the...

SOKOTO – BUA Cement Trains 60 Youths on Heavy-Duty Machinery Operation

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto BUA Cement has launched a Host...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img