Afrobeat torchbearer Made Kuti, grandson of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has opened up about how his iconic grandfather was viewed during his lifetime, especially within Nigeria.
In a recent interview, Made shed light on the contrast between Fela’s global reverence and the domestic challenges he faced.
“During his lifetime, Fela was more appreciated abroad than at home,” Made said, pointing out the lack of recognition from Nigerians at the time.
He also shared how his father, Femi Kuti, bore the brunt of the Kuti name’s controversial reputation. According to him, being a Kuti once carried social stigma rather than pride.
“My dad used to tell us how difficult it was for him growing up—he couldn’t even date because girls saw the Kuti name as a red flag. Back then, Fela wasn’t considered financially successful, and that image tainted the way people saw our family,” he recalled.
"During Fela's lifetime, he was appreciated more internationally than he was locally."
– Made Kuti pic.twitter.com/7YfJi5EiCh
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 4, 2025
Made also discussed how Fela’s defiant stance against Nigeria’s military regimes led to continuous arrests, police brutality, and a long-running government-driven smear campaign.
“He was painted as a drug addict, a womanizer, and an immoral man. These narratives especially took root among the middle class, and the propaganda machine worked overtime,” he said.
Despite the towering legacy of Fela Kuti today, Made expressed frustration at the misconception that his father, Femi, had an easy ride to fame.
“People think my dad’s success came easily because of Fela. But the truth is, he succeeded in spite of all the baggage that came with being Fela’s son,” he stated.
Now 28 and a Grammy-nominated artist alongside his father, Made Kuti continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeat while honoring and defending the true story behind his family’s name a legacy rooted in resistance, resilience, and a love for African music and truth.