Ayomide Olaniyan
Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has opened up about his unconventional upbringing under the shadow of his iconic father, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, revealing that his childhood was marked by observation rather than direct teaching.
Speaking at Lagos’ Ake Arts and Books Festival, the artist described a household where formal instruction was rare. His father, he explained, assumed innate knowledge without guidance, creating an environment where learning happened through experience rather than structured lessons.
Kuti painted a picture of an intense upbringing where Fela demanded perfection from those around him—mediocrity had no place, and justification for shortcomings was unacceptable. This, he noted, forced him to absorb wisdom by silently witnessing his father’s actions.
From navigating police brutality to confronting life-threatening situations, Femi recounted how his worldview formed through these raw, unfiltered moments rather than traditional schooling. Each challenge became a lesson, each observation shaping his resilience.
Interestingly, academic struggles never drew anger from Fela—only cryptic responses that left young Femi questioning expectations. These interactions, he shared, fueled his drive for independence, eventually leading him to depart from his father’s band and carve his own musical legacy.
Femi emphasized his deliberate choice to forge his identity outside his father’s towering influence. Even when Fela dismissed his debut album, he persisted, crafting a distinct sound that honored his individuality. He recalled Fela’s puzzling logic: “He expected me to read without being taught. ‘You should know,’ he’d insist, as if knowledge could be inherited like an heirloom.”
Reflecting on his journey, Kuti affirmed: “Excellence wasn’t requested—it was required. You couldn’t plead ignorance. But if destiny intended me to be Fela’s replica, I wouldn’t be Femi Kuti. I had to become myself.”
Gbenga Adebayo
