How being Fela’s daughter once ruined my relationship – Yeni Kuti
Quick Read
"People distanced themselves from us back then because of Fela's frequent encounters with the law. However, the perception of being Fela's child has vastly changed over time. What was once undesirable has now become a point of pride. We've gone through a significant evolution." "I recall a guy whom I genuinely liked. I mean, I really did, but his mother forcibly escorted me out of their home, yelling about not allowing me near her son, claiming I'd ruin his life."
By Victoria Oluwayemi
Yeni, a media personality and the eldest child of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer musician, Fela Kuti has revealed how her association with the rebellious musician negatively impacted her relationships.
During a recent interview with Daily Trust, Yeni revealed how being Fela’s daughter or son was perceived negatively by the society
She recounted an incident where her younger brother, Femi, lost his relationship when his girlfriend discovered his relationship with Fela.
“Femi had a girlfriend, and immediately they knew he was Fela’s son, they broke up the relationship. A girl warned my cousin never to introduce her to such a type of person [Fela’s family].
“People did not want to know us because at the time he [Fela] was in and out of jail. However, I can say that being Fela’s child then and now are two totally different things. Then it was not really a good thing to be Fela’s child which I did not care about, but now it is a good thing. We have been through a phase.”
She added: “I remember one guy that I really liked. I mean, I really liked him, but his mother walked me out of their house. The woman was yelling, ‘Don’t come near my son again. You want to destroy my son’s life.’”
Comments