Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti has addressed long-standing speculation surrounding the ownership of his father’s music, making it clear that the catalogue of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has never been sold.
Speaking during a recent interview on Channels Television, Femi explained that the late icon’s body of work remains firmly under the control of the family, contrary to recurring claims that it had been offloaded to external parties.
“We never sold it,” Femi said plainly. “Fela’s estate, which is controlled by the family, controls it. But we licensed the music, so we control it. I don’t know how many more years we have right now, but when the years are done, we’ll take it over and license it again.”
For years, questions around the ownership of Fela’s catalogue have resurfaced, especially whenever new streaming deals or licensing arrangements emerge. Femi’s clarification draws a clear line between outright sale and licensing—two concepts often confused in public conversations.
According to him, the family has only entered into time-bound licensing agreements with foreign partners. These deals allow the music to be distributed and monetised globally, while ownership remains intact. Once such agreements expire, full rights revert to the estate, giving the family the freedom to renegotiate on their own terms.
A key figure in preserving that stance is Yeni Kuti, the eldest of Fela’s children, whom Femi described as the custodian of the legacy. He noted that her position against selling the catalogue shaped the family’s unified decision.
“She’s like the main caretaker, and we give her honour as she is the eldest,” he said. “She is very protective of Fela’s legacy, and she insisted we don’t sell. I saw her view immediately, we all agreed. If we had sold, we would have been done by now; nothing would be coming to the family.”
In a music industry where catalogue sales have become increasingly common—often fetching massive payouts—the Kuti family’s approach stands apart. Rather than cashing out, they have opted for a long-term view, balancing financial returns with cultural preservation.
“It will always be in the hands of the family,” he said. “And I hope even after us, our children will understand how we have maintained dignity and integrity with Fela’s legacy and do that same honour to him after we leave this life.”
Nearly three decades after his passing, Fela’s music continues to grow in global relevance and commercial value. For the Kuti family, holding on to ownership appears to be less about immediate gain and more about protecting a legacy that still resonates across generations.
Fela’s Legacy: Kuti Family Retains 100% Ownership Of His Music pic.twitter.com/H5OvO9rMjX
— Channels Television (@channelstv) April 17, 2026