Femi Kuti Reveals Fela’s Struggles with Poverty Despite Early Fame
Grammy-nominated Afrobeat star Femi Kuti has opened up about the difficult years his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, endured despite his rising fame in the Nigerian music industry.
Speaking in a recent interview with Afropolitan, Femi disclosed that when Fela’s first major hit, “Jeun Ko Ku”, was dominating the airwaves, his family was still living in abject poverty.
“Fela was very poor. He couldn’t even afford food for us, his kids. I mean, really really poor,” Femi recalled. “Then we were living at No. 14A Agege Motor Road, this was all before Kalakuta. Every music store was playing Fela’s first Afrobeats hit ‘Jeun Ko Ku.’ I think he too was surprised at the reception he got.”
This revelation echoes similar comments made by Femi’s son, Made Kuti, who once noted that despite Fela’s enormous influence and financial gains, he died broke due to his excessive generosity.
Opinion
Fela’s story is a powerful reminder that fame does not always equal fortune. Despite being celebrated as the pioneer of Afrobeat and one of Nigeria’s greatest cultural exports, his personal life was marked by financial struggles and sacrifices. His art was revolutionary, his activism fearless, but the system he fought against often left him vulnerable.
Femi’s revelation underscores a wider issue many artists face today: the disconnect between popularity and financial security. In an industry where streams, fame, and global recognition don’t always translate to sustainable wealth, Fela’s life remains both an inspiration and a cautionary tale.
Yet, perhaps what truly makes Fela’s legacy timeless is that his wealth was never measured in money but in influence. He gave his life to his people, his music, and his ideals—even when it cost him comfort.
In a world where artists chase numbers and charts, Fela’s journey teaches us that impact often outlives fortune. His struggle shaped Afrobeat into the global powerhouse it is today—and for that, his legacy is richer than gold.
