Kunle Kuti Holds Government Responsible for Ignoring Fela's Legacy; Expresses Admiration for Wizkid

Kunle Kuti, the son of the legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, has accused the Nigerian government of diminishing his father's legacy by omitting his history from the school curriculum. While discussing this in a recent episode of Our Two Kobo, Kunle also shared his appreciation for the global music icon Wizkid, stating he is "the only artiste that I beg to see in my life."

In his role as the custodian of the Kalakuta Museum and trustee of Fela's estate, Kunle addressed various topics, including the social media altercation involving his brother Seun Kuti and Wizkid's fanbase, as well as the ongoing debate between Afrobeat and Afrobeats. He emphasized the necessity of safeguarding his family's cultural and musical heritage.

"The progenitor of Afrobeat received formal music education. I have an affinity for Afrobeats as well, having studied electronic music myself. Thus, I appreciate Afrobeats. It represents a departure from Afrobeat in some way. However, they cannot be equated. Personally, I am not satisfied. I feel disappointed because I truly cherish Afrobeat," Kunle remarked.

Regarding Fela's defense, Kunle mentioned, "The issue lies with the government. Regardless of their actions, if history is not erased from schools, people will continue to learn about Fela. It is not solely about Fela; it also pertains to his mother. The Kuti family holds significant status in Nigeria." He elaborated on the importance of his family's legacy, noting, "Most people are unaware that my grandmother was involved in negotiating Nigeria's independence. She played a crucial role. Do you see? Fela elevated Nigeria's status on a global scale—musically, culturally, and politically."

Kunle expressed personal admiration for Wizkid, declaring, "Wizkid is the only artist I aspire to meet in my lifetime, truthfully. I wish to express my affection for him."

In discussing Fela's estate, Kunle pointed out its dynamic nature: "Life's value is not fixed. It varies based on how you intend to promote it. You can explore music, film, or fashion. Fela was a fashion trailblazer and developed his unique style. His estate continues to evolve, with new ideas emerging constantly."

Reflecting on his childhood experiences at Kalakuta, Kunle recounted the traumatic encounters with the military. "I was in primary school and witnessed my mother in distress. I had never seen her before. She frantically grabbed me when I was at school amidst a large crowd. We attempted to reach Ojuelegba. Kalakuta was well-protected, so we could not access the area due to the aftermath. I question why a thousand soldiers would be deployed to silence one person because of a minor traffic offense. I believe they aimed to suppress him by any means. My grandmother later died from complications arising from her injuries."

On Fela's political aspirations, he remarked, "He aimed to contest for the presidency and attempted to register his political party, MOP. However, after a successful convention showcasing a large crowd, they prevented him from getting on the ballot. MOP is still operational today."

Sharing lessons learned from his father, Kunle stated, "I won't confront the government nor will I take numerous wives like he did."

Kunle also outlined his vision for the Kalakuta Museum, stating, "I aim to transform it into an interactive experience, so visitors can engage without needing to visit physically, potentially collaborating with Google Arts and Culture."

Discussing Fela's activism, he added, "From my perspective, everything he did was justified, as it aimed for the betterment of humanity. We must challenge those in authority. If I had the chance, I would challenge them. Fela embodied that spirit."

On the future of his son's music career, Kunle revealed, "He graduated last year, studying music, production, and performance. I am pushing him to pursue a Master's degree. He is currently 21 and will need it for his advancement. My vision is to create something innovative to support his career in music. We are focused on merging different styles since Afrobeats today is increasingly about fusion."

As Kunle Kuti diligently works to preserve Fela's legacy through the Kalakuta Museum and his public efforts, he remains dedicated to enlightening younger generations about his family’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s cultural and historical landscape while also celebrating contemporary artists like Wizkid who personally inspire him.