The rich history of the Kuti dynasty was brought to life as family and friends, gathered last week at Ouida in Ikeja, Lagos, for the official launch of Mrs. Kuti: A Memoir.
Written by Remilekun Anikulapo-Kuti before her passing, the book offers an intimate glimpse into her life and her profound, yet turbulent, relationship with her husband, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and provides rare insights into their extraordinary relationship. The culturally rich and emotionally charged event featured thought-provoking discussions, soul-stirring performances and heartfelt tributes.
Highlights included excerpts from the memoir, read eloquently by actress Carol King, a touching family chat led by Yeni and Femi Kuti, moderated by Olaokun Soyinka, and moving tributes from the grandchildren of the Kuti family.
At its core, Mrs. Kuti: A Memoir is a love story intricately woven with real-life struggles and triumphs. Through her words, Remilekun reveals untold stories of her life as a wife, mother, and partner to a man whose brilliance was matched only by his complexity. The book captures Fela not just as a musical and political icon, but as a husband, father, and human being—flawed but deeply loved.
Born on July 12, 1941, in London, Remilekun’s journey began in Lagos before she moved back to England.
She attended Princess Alice School and Home in Sutton Coldfield, where she confronted the challenges of growing up as a girl child. She met Fela in London in 1959, describing his arrival in her life as “like a comet.” Their marriage in 1961 marked the beginning of a life filled with passion, chaos, activism, and an enduring love.
The memoir takes readers through Remilekun’s reflections on her life with Fela, from the joys of their union to the trials they endured, including cultural conflicts, societal judgments, and Fela’s controversial decisions—most notably, his choice to marry 27 women in one day.
Despite these challenges, her unwavering love and acceptance of Fela shine through.
“He had none of the other vices common in men, such as gambling or beating their wives, but he was a womaniser—something I accepted because I could not change it,” she candidly writes. Yeni Kuti, their eldest daughter, penned a heartfelt foreword for the book, describing it as a long-awaited treasure.
She shared how the project was pieced together with the help of family members, including her cousin, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, and his wife, Lola Shoneyin.
Yeni recounted how her mother often encouraged her to read the memoir during her lifetime, a request she initially dismissed but later regretted deeply. “Mummy had a tough childhood but grew into a shy, beautiful young woman. She met Fela in London, fell in love, and dreamed of a quiet life with him. But life with Fela was anything but quiet,” Yeni reflected.
Femi Kuti, the couple’s first son, added that the book sheds light on Fela’s relentless pursuit of justice and his revolutionary music.
“She didn’t dwell on her pains, even during the difficult periods when Fela was imprisoned,” he said.
The 264-page memoir captivates readers with its vivid storytelling and insights into an extraordinary life.
It explores Remilekun’s perspective on marriage, motherhood, and fame, as well as her enduring resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
Notable chapters include She Is Too Naive, which addresses the societal judgment she faced, and another chapter detailing Fela’s activism, revealing the purpose behind his provocative songs like Monkey Banana, Yellow Fever, and Gentleman.
The book launch was more than a literary event; it was a celebration of love, resilience, and an enduring legacy. As Remilekun poignantly wrote in her memoir, “I think of him and will, as long as I live—my love is the forever kind.”
Although Remilekun Anikulapo-Kuti passed away on January 12, 2002, her words now live on in this compelling memoir.
Mrs. Kuti: A Memoir stands as a testament to a woman’s strength, her unwavering love for an enigmatic man, and her commitment to preserving his legacy for generations to come.
