By Nehru Odeh
Remilekun, the wife of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has left an indelible mark on history. Twenty-three years after her passing, she has shared her story, including how she met her husband at a cousin’s birthday party in London, in her memoir titled ‘Mrs Kuti.’
Written during the turbulent days of Kalakuta Republic and amidst Fela’s confrontations with military regimes, the memoir was released by Ouida Books on Monday, 13 January, 2024.
Yeni Kuti, Remilekun’s daughter, aptly describes their chance meeting in the book’s foreword, likening Fela’s appearance to “a comet.” This encounter marked the beginning of a love story that would defy societal norms and define the Afrobeat era from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The couple’s first dance at the party became symbolic of the vibrant, music-filled life they would share—a life that influenced their children, Yeni, Femi, and Sola.
“As we sat watching the dancers, I got the strange feeling that someone was watching me,” Remilekun recalls in the memoir. “A quick glance around the room showed that everyone was focused on their enjoyment, but the feeling persisted. My glance fell on the window, and there I saw a pair of eyes just staring at me. The owner was an exceedingly handsome young man, but never had I encountered such brazenness…”
Later, she recounted how Fela’s persistence broke down her initial reluctance. “Immediately the fellow came into the room, he made a beeline to where I sat, held out his hand, and said, ‘Let’s dance.’ I refused, being that I didn’t know how. He ignored my statement, grabbed my hand, and said, ‘I’ll teach you.’”
Their love story, as described in the book, began in earnest when Fela boldly declared his intentions. “When I found Fela waiting for me at the foot of the stairs, I turned to go back up, only to find my way blocked by two young horrors. I was forced to stay and hear Fela out. Without hesitation, he said, ‘I want you to be my girlfriend.’ I replied, ‘I’m too young for you. I’m only eighteen.’ ‘Well,’ he declared, ‘that’s just right for me because I’m twenty-one.’ His logic had me cornered…”
This was the genesis of a relationship that forms the heart of Mrs Kuti, a memoir painstakingly compiled over more than two decades.
The book launch was a night of laughter, nostalgia, and poignant reflections. Yeni and Femi, in conversation with Dr Olaokun Soyinka, regaled the audience with humorous anecdotes and playful sibling banter, leaving the hall in fits of laughter.
A recurring argument was who among them was their parents’ favourite, with neither conceding defeat. The audience was delighted by their exchanges, prompting Dr Soyinka to urge restraint to avoid further “ammunition for sibling warfare.”
The evening began with a spectacular jazz performance by Made Kuti, followed by a heartfelt letter reading by Remilekun’s sister, Sonia. Actress Carol King brought the memoir to life with excerpts, while Demilade Anikulapo Kuti, Remilekun’s grandchild, recited a poem titled ‘Woman of Substance.’ Tributes from Sandra Oyewole and Rolari Jacks added to the emotional evening.
Lola Shoneyin, poet, writer, and founder of Ouida Books, delivered a moving opening speech. “We have published many books at Ouida, probably 50, but this one is very special to us. We had to be very careful because we were working with family. Today, exactly 23 years after her passing, we celebrate this incredible gift she left for us,” she said.
Yeni and Femi reflected on the challenges of completing the memoir, particularly the missing chapters. “When she wrote this book, I was reading it chapter by chapter,” Femi revealed. “I told her, ‘Mummy, release this book. People need to know.’ But many pages went missing. Journalists took chapters and never returned them.”
Yeni admitted her initial reluctance to engage with the book. “Mummy begged me to read it, but I dismissed it as a ‘Mills and Boon’ love story. After her passing, I regretted that decision. It’s still hard for me to read her words.”
The memoir highlights Remilekun’s resilience and her unwavering love for Fela. Despite his unconventional lifestyle, she supported him, understanding his vision and the societal pressures he faced.
Femi acknowledged this devotion: “She knew what she was getting into. She believed in letting him be who he was. If you don’t let someone shine their light, is that love?”
Yeni echoed this sentiment, recalling how her mother dismissed suitors, declaring, “Fela was the only man for me.”
Remilekun’s strength and sacrifice left a lasting impact on her family. “She held us together,” Femi said. “Without her, we could have turned out differently. She was the secret pillar behind Fela’s success.”
Sandra Oyewole described Remilekun as pragmatic and adaptive. “She made the difficult look easy. She was a profound, cool, beautiful woman who took her marriage vows seriously.”
The evening concluded with Yemisi Ransome-Kuti urging family unity and celebrating the legacy of a remarkable woman.
With the cutting of the cake and photo sessions, the event celebrated Remilekun’s enduring legacy and marked the beginning of her journey into immortality through Mrs Kuti.
