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Tag: Femi Kuti

  • Femi Kuti: Fela’s legacy unmatched, remains the greatest

    Femi Kuti: Fela’s legacy unmatched, remains the greatest

    Femi Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has emphasised his father’s unparalleled impact on music and cultural activism.

    In a recent interview on Arise News, Femi Kuti stated that Fela’s influence cannot be measured by modern metrics, saying, “For me, Fela is the greatest.”

    Femi Kuti also expressed confidence that Nigerian artists like Burna Boy and Davido wouldn’t claim to be greater than Fela, highlighting his father’s lasting legacy.

    “…These artists: Burna Boy, Davido, I don’t think they will say anything against Fela,” he said.

    He also addressed Wizkid’s past comments, choosing not to judge the artist’s intentions.

    “Wizkid is like a son to me and should’ve cautioned his fanbase.  I don’t go out of my lane to interfere with anybody’s life. I don’t tell people what to do because I don’t know their reaction.

    “When Wizkid decided to respond and said he’s greater than Fela, my question is: does he truly feel that way, or was it said out of the situation? I can’t prejudge him,” he added.

    He added that if such conversations were brought to him privately, he would address them with understanding rather than confrontation.

    Read Also: Fela should be idolised not compared – Femi Kuti

    “If he comes to me, I’ll talk to him like a father. If my brother, Seun, comes to me, I’ll talk to him like a brother. The family doesn’t need all this”, he said.

    Femi Kuti’s comments come amid ongoing debates about Fela’s relevance and comparisons with contemporary artists, following.

    He emphasised Fela’s work as a blueprint for cultural activism, shaping African music’s definition of success.

    The 68th Grammy Awards also honoured legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti with a Lifetime Achievement Award, shining a light on the continent’s cultural impact.

  • Fela should be idolised not compared – Femi Kuti

    Fela should be idolised not compared – Femi Kuti

    Femi Kuti, son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has called for respect for his father’s legacy, dismissing comparisons to other artists.

    Speaking from Los Angeles where he will receive Fela’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, Femi emphasised that Fela is in a league of his own.

    The comments come amid controversy between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, with Femi expressing disappointment over the debate. 

    Wizkid sparked outrage after claiming he is “bigger” than Fela while responding to Seun Kuti’s criticisms of him and his fans over the comparison of the ‘Ojuelegba’ crooner with the Afrobeat legend.

    Femi, who maintains good relationships with Seun Kuti and Wizkid, stressed that Fela’s legacy should be celebrated, not compared to others.

    Read Also: Femi Kuti reveals secret of longevity in music industry

    He said: “Fela is our father and all, even the younger artists respect him. The Fela vs Wizkid controversy is not an issue that should be brought up. Fela is the musical and artistic template in Nigeria.

    “So, Fela should just be put in a sector of his own and we just idolise and respect him. I don’t want to go into Seun and Wizkid’s matter because Seun is my brother and Wizkid is like a son to me. I just wished it didn’t not arose”.

  • I wished Wizkid, Seun dispute never happened – Femi Kuti

    I wished Wizkid, Seun dispute never happened – Femi Kuti

    Femi Kuti, son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has expressed regret over comparisons between contemporary artist, Wizkid and his late father.

    In an interview on Arise Television, Femi described the debate as unnecessary and unhelpful, emphasising that Nigeria faces more pressing issues.

    The controversy arose after Wizkid claimed he was “bigger” than Fela, after bein triggered by Seun Kuti. 

    Femi declined to participate, stating Fela’s influence should be respected and not compared to others.

    “Wizkid is like a son to me, and seun is my brother, I just wished the whole thing between them didn’t happen and I really hope everyone would calm down soon. Fela is our father and every artiste respects him”, he said.

    Read Also: Femi Kuti reveals secret of longevity in music industry

    He emphasised Fela’s foundational role in Nigeria’s music industry, saying, “Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be put in a sector of his own and respected.”

    Femi urged Nigerians to focus on unity and nation-building, leveraging global recognition of Afrobeat to address issues like corruption, insecurity, and tribalism.

    “This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, build our music industry, and come together,” he added.

    He noted that many problems Fela sang about decades ago remain unresolved, saying, “For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues.”

  • Femi Kuti reveals secret of longevity in music industry

    Femi Kuti reveals secret of longevity in music industry

    Veteran Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has attributed his enduring success in the industry to creating meaningful and impactful music. 

    In a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the singer-songwriter advised young artists to focus on producing quality music rather than rushing to create hit songs.

    He said: “When the head is not correct, nothing can be correct. I like what young artists are doing, but what would they do when they are 50?” 

    According to Kuti, his commitment to crafting purposeful music has enabled him to maintain relevance for over four decades.

    “I can proudly tell you I’m still touring. It’s because my fans will still introduce me to their children and their children’s children. So you will see very old and children at my concerts. There are people that have followed me for 15, 20 years and still bringing my albums to sign. 

    “But why? Consistency. And I have something to offer. If you are not writing your music and you are buying, and you are jumping, would you still be doing that at 40?”

    Kuti emphasised the importance of dedication to one’s craft, citing legendary musicians like Miles Davies and Stevie Wonder as examples of artists who have honed their skills through consistent practice. 

    He added: “The reason, probably, I’m respected is, I will still show dexterity, energy. I’m committed. If I pick up my sax, you will know that this guy is working. I composed everything. You (young artists) buy your songs, and you don’t want to learn. Music is like medicine. The likes of Miles Davies, Stevie Wonder and a few others are renowned because they are working. They are practicing”.

    He warned young artists against prioritising fame over artistry, cautioning that neglecting to develop their skills would lead to dwindling fame and fortune in the long run.

    According to him: “But young artists just rush into making music to get hit songs. You might make two or three. You are young so you are not seeing the danger -the next generation will have their star and then you will fade away.”

  • Why I left Fela’s band, by Femi Kuti 

    Why I left Fela’s band, by Femi Kuti 

    Femi Kuti, acclaimed musician and eldest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has opened up on the reasons he chose to leave his father’s band and pursue his own career.

    Speaking in a recent interview, Femi disclosed that his decision was driven by the need to escape the overwhelming pressure of living under his father’s towering legacy and to create an identity independent of Fela’s shadow.

    He recalled how, growing up, he was constantly compared to Fela, a situation he described as suffocating. 

    He said that from wearing similar outfits to being nicknamed “mini Fela,” the expectations weighed heavily on him and left little room for self-expression.

    “Being under my father’s shadow was limiting my life in many ways — from my personal relationships to my career choices,” Femi explained.

    Determined to chart his own course, he broke away to form his band. However, the move came with significant challenges. 

    According to him, many of Fela’s loyal fans turned against him, while the press was critical, making it difficult for him to receive positive reviews in the early years of his career.

    Despite the resistance, Femi said he went on to establish himself as a distinctive artist in his own right, blending Afrobeat’s traditional African rhythms with modern sounds and global influences.

    Read Also: Femi Kuti completes 24 shows in one month

    Kuti said, “Growing up in school, everybody would be like ‘aren’t you going to be like your dad or won’t you play music? I was pressured to be like my father.

    “If I wanted to play music, I had to be Femi Kuti. I used the same mathematical thought that I cannot be Fela. I began to wear the same outfits with my father because I used to stay with my mother before I ran away to stay with him.

    “I was like mini Fela because he usually dresses me like himself. I just thought I should better look for myself fast, or I’m going to be a very unhappy man. So I went back to my mother.

    “The moment I formed my band, his fan base descended on me. It was very difficult to find a good write up about me then because the press hated me and at this time, there was no internet for me to defend myself.

    “Being under my father, I didn’t have any possibility of my own life, including having children. I saw my life in his life”. 

  • Femi Kuti completes 24 shows in one month

    Femi Kuti completes 24 shows in one month

    Afrobeats icon Femi Kuti has completed 24 shows in just one month during his tour of Canada and the United States.

    This milestone was shared by his Grammy-nominated son, Made Kuti, who praised his father’s enduring passion and energy on stage.

    “Femi Kuti just finished 24 shows in 1 month on his Canada/US tour at 63 years old as a multi-instrumentalist/composer/singer/songwriter. But we won’t hear anything about that anywhere”, he wrote on X.

    Read Also: Fela’s fanbase turned against me when I left him – Femi Kuti

    At 63 years old, Femi Kuti continues to push the boundaries of his stagemanship, showcasing his signature blend of pulsating rhythms, horn-driven melodies, and socially conscious lyrics.

    The tour follows the release of his album “Journey Through Life,” which features ten tracks that embody his distinctive sound.

    As the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Femi has carved his path in music while honouring his father’s legacy.

    With a career spanning over four decades, Femi has evolved the Afrobeat genre, infusing it with elements of jazz, funk, and traditional Nigerian music.

    His discography includes standout albums such as “Shoki Shoki,” “Fight to Win,” and “Stop the Hate.”

    Known for his virtuosic saxophone playing and energetic stage presence, Femi Kuti’s music addresses pressing social issues, government corruption, and the struggles of everyday Nigerians while celebrating resilience and cultural pride.

  • Fela’s fanbase turned against me when I left him – Femi Kuti

    Fela’s fanbase turned against me when I left him – Femi Kuti

    Son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti has shared the emotional struggles he faced in his early music career.

    Despite his passion for music, Femi said Fela refused to teach him, forcing him to find his way and eventually forged his path.

    However, when Femi broke away from his father’s musical style, Fela’s fanbase turned against him, assuming he was challenging his father’s legacy.

    “When I left my father, his fanbase completely turned against me. They said, ‘how dare you fight Fela?’, and it wasn’t even a fight,” he said.

    Femi said he felt lost and misunderstood with no formal education to fall back on.

    He recalled his father’s harsh criticism, including dismissing his first album as “rubbish” in front of the press.

    Determined to prove himself, Femi persevered, refusing to give up on his musical dreams.

    He stayed focused and continued to pursue his unique sound, undeterred by the criticism and skepticism surrounding him.

    Read Also: Abort ‘japa’ plans, fight for better Nigeria – Femi Kuti

    He said: “I was just lost, I had no formal education so how was I to become a great musician? I was lost and crying inside and they didn’t understand. 

    “They thought I was protesting against him and my father was an activist and somehow everyone forgot that he was my father. 

    ” I was in the storm and nobody wanted my point of view. I decided to stay focused because I couldn’t turn back, I’d have rather died, it was better I died trying and I’ve never stopped since then.

    “The first time my father heard my first album, he came to the launch and said it was rubbish. He said it to the press and I was so upset. I was like, ‘How dare he say that?’ I was so upset”.

  • Abort ‘japa’ plans, fight for better Nigeria – Femi Kuti

    Abort ‘japa’ plans, fight for better Nigeria – Femi Kuti

    Renowned singer Femi Kuti has encouraged young Nigerians to stay and improve their country instead of emigrating.

    Speaking at the 2024 Felebration festival, Kuti emphasised that developed countries like Europe and America fought for their freedom, highlighting their histories of civil wars and struggles.

    He stressed that Nigeria’s youths should recognise their responsibility to improve their own country.

    Kuti noted that iconic landmarks like the Fela Shrine were built in Africa, not abroad, and even those with dual citizenship contribute to Nigeria’s growth, citing his son, Made Kuti as an example.

    He said: “People have asked me, ‘Shey you no go japa?’ Japa to where?”

    “Let me tell you about Europe; you see Europe and what made it great. Do you think they ran away? No, they fought; Europe fought hundreds of civil wars; dem just dey kill themselves. America had one of the worst civil wars in history, which is why till today Americans still carry guns.

    Read Also: Charly Boy, Femi Kuti, Daddy Showkey pay tribute to Onyeka Onwenu

    “We must understand that we have to stay here and fight for a better country that we love. We did not build the Fela Shrine in Los Angeles or in London; we built it in Africa. Get your senses together because this country depends on you.

    “Made is a British citizen but where is he? He is in Nigeria and he cannot be anywhere else. What does he want to do there? If they call him for work, he’d go there to play and come back. Who would take over the shrine? I want to retire.”

  • No tribal sentiments in Anikulapo family – Femi Kuti

    No tribal sentiments in Anikulapo family – Femi Kuti

    Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti has spoken out about the challenges his family has faced from their ethnic group, the Yoruba.

    At the 2024 Felabration Festival in Lagos, he specifically mentioned prominent names as significant adversaries of the Kuti family.

    Femi emphasised that his family’s upbringing was rooted in pan-Africanism inspired by influential figures like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba and family members, including his grandmother, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    He said his background has taught him to look beyond tribal lines and focus on the good and bad in every individual, regardless of their ethnicity.

    Femi said: “Brothers and sisters, something very important is going on in our lives; ethnic problems. You call it tribalism. Please, do not bring the Anikulapos in your stupidity.

    “We grew up with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    Read Also: Charly Boy, Femi Kuti, Daddy Showkey pay tribute to Onyeka Onwenu

    “Pan-Africanism was the order of the day. So, I didn’t grow up being sentimental. I saw good people, bad people. I’ve got great European friends, I’ve got terrible European friends. I’ve got great African friends, I’ve got terrible African friends. We are not tribalistic in our family”.

    As a musician and activist, Femi has followed in his family’s footsteps, using his platform to speak out against social injustices and advocate for change.

    His music often addresses issues like corruption, poverty, and inequality, reflecting his commitment to creating a better Nigeria.

    Femi’s family has a long history of activism and social engagement.

    His grandmother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a pioneering feminist and educator, while his father, Fela Kuti, was a legendary musician and activist who used his music to challenge government injustices.

    Femi’s son, Made Kuti, is also continuing this legacy, using his music to promote social change and pan-Africanism.

  • Tiwa Savage, Omosexy, Femi Kuti, others to speak at 2019 Cannes Lion

    Nine Nigerian creative legends including screen diva, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Afrobeat legend, Femi Kuti and Afropop star, Tiwa Savage are billed to speak at the 2019 Cannes Lion Festival.

    The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (formerly the International Advertising Festival) is a global event for those working in creative communications, advertising, and related fields.

    It is considered the largest gathering of the advertising and creative communications industry.

    The five-day festival, incorporating the awarding of the Lions awards, will hold from June 17 to June 21.

    Other Nigerian speakers include Steve Babaeko of X2M media, Copywriter, Oje Ojeaga, media personality, Fade Ogunro, marketing expert, Idiaremo Atimomo.

    Others are filmmaker, Tolulope Ajayi and media executive, Fidelis Anosike.

    They will be speaking alongside globally renowned media and advertising practitioners including Shonda Rhimes, Winnie Harlow and Alfonso Cuaro.

    Read Also: Tiwa Savage acquires ‘customised’ luxury car

    An elated Omotola took to social media to share the news, including details of her speaking engagement.

    She wrote, @realomosexy, “Whose Home? So I’ll be speaking at the 66th Edition of @cannes_lions on the 20th of June 2019.

    “I’ll be speaking on “The Authentic African Story”.

    Also speaking at the largest gathering of creative thought leaders are writer/ Autor Shonda Rhimes, Director Alphonso Cuaron.

    “Netflix’s Kenya Barris, Endeavor’s Bozoma St. John and many others. If you’re in France about this time, see ya!”

    Ogunro, Tiwa and Kuti will speak on ‘Afrobeat VS Afrobeats’ while Anosike, Omosexy and Babaeko on ‘The Authentic African Story’.