Made Kuti Speaks on Marriage Proposal, Rejects Traditional “On One Knee” Gesture

Made Kuti has shared his thoughts on marriage proposals, saying he does not believe the tradition of going down on one knee reflects how relationships should be approached.

Speaking on an episode of the Timeless Podcast on Nix Network’s YouTube channel, the Grammy-nominated artiste revealed that he did not kneel when he proposed to his wife, Inedoye Onyenso, because he views marriage as a mutual decision between equals rather than a one-sided act of “asking for approval.”

“I did not go down on my knees when proposing to my wife because I told her it was a mutual decision. We are not begging each other to be with each other,” he said.

Made Kuti and Inedoye Onyenso got married in a private ceremony in Lagos in November 2023. The singer also revealed that they had known each other previously, describing her as his former “school daughter.”

He further addressed criticism they received over their inter-ethnic marriage, dismissing such views as outdated and calling ethnic prejudice a “slave mentality.”

Opinion

Made Kuti’s perspective challenges a long-standing romantic tradition that many people see as symbolic rather than literal. His view frames marriage more as a partnership of equals, rather than a proposal where one person is placed in a position of submission.

While traditions like kneeling are often cultural gestures of respect and affection, his argument raises a broader conversation about how modern relationships are evolving, especially among younger generations who prioritize equality and shared decision-making.

At the same time, the heart of a proposal remains personal — different couples assign different meanings to the act. For some, symbolism matters deeply; for others, the commitment itself matters more than how it is expressed.