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Femi Kuti urges Nigerians to stay and fight for the country
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‘My son chose Nigeria despite UK citizenship’ — Femi Kuti speaks against relocating abroad
Femi Kuti, the renowned Nigerian Afrobeat musician and son of the legendary Fela Kuti, has voiced his views on the ongoing “japa” trend, where many Nigerians are emigrating in search of better opportunities abroad.
Speaking at the 2024 Celebration Festival, Kuti emphasized that rather than fleeing to other countries, Nigerian youth should stay and fight to improve their homeland.
Kuti questioned the notion of emigrating to places like Europe and America, highlighting that these regions achieved their current state through struggles, including civil wars, not by running away.
He pointed out that Europe faced numerous civil wars and America underwent a brutal civil war, which has influenced their societies to this day.
In his speech, Kuti urged Nigerians to take responsibility for the state of their country, reminding them that lasting change would come only if people are willing to stay and fight for it.
He also referenced the Fela Shrine, the cultural landmark his family built in Lagos, as a symbol of pride and commitment to Africa, stating that it was not built abroad but in Nigeria.
Kuti further highlighted that even his son, Made Kuti, who holds British citizenship, remains in Nigeria because of their dedication to their home country.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the legacy they have built continues, underscoring his desire to retire while leaving Nigeria in capable hands.
Watch him speak below:
“Japa to where? … Made is a British citizen. Where is he? He is in Nigeria. He cannot be anywhere else. Who born am? Na monkey born am?…”
— Femi Kuti pic.twitter.com/re8PXHLNLP
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 21, 2024