‘Fela was appreciated internationally than locally’, Made Kuti

Made Kuti, one of the grandsons of Nigerian musical legend Fela Kuti, has spoken up on his grandfathers fame, influence and perception.

While speaking with Tayemesan, Made claimed that Fela was not appreciated in Nigeria while alive. He stated that regardless of his impact on music, the Kuti name was seen as a red flag at one point.

He revealed that his own father, Femi Kuti faced numerous challenges because of the family’s name.

Made stated that Fela who is now known as an afrobeat legend as appreciated internationally than in his own country.

“I remember my dad telling us about how he couldn’t even date girls. The fact that he was a Kuti was a major red flag. They looked down on him because at the time, Fela was not seen as someone who was financially successful. They managed to sell a strong narrative to the middle class. The propaganda worked for such a long time,” Made explained.