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

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Femi Kuti sets the record straight on legendary Fela Kuti’s catalogue.

The tension first surfaced after Seun Kuti openly criticised Wizkid’s fanbase for what he described as disrespectful comparisons between the Ojuelegba singer and their late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Seun argued that such comparisons diminished Fela’s towering legacy.

The situation quickly escalated when Wizkid fired back at Seun in a series of Instagram posts laced with insults, at one point declaring himself greater than Fela — a remark that further inflamed public opinion.

As the dispute spiralled, social media platforms became battlegrounds, with fans, commentators and music lovers sharply divided over the comments and the broader issue of comparing contemporary stars to cultural icons.

Addressing the controversy during a recent interview on Arise TV, Femi Kuti revealed that his silence throughout the drama was intentional. According to him, Fela’s name and legacy should not be dragged into public quarrels or used as reference points in personal disputes.

He stressed that Fela occupies a rare and untouchable position in Nigerian music history, adding that constant comparisons between the Afrobeat legend and today’s artistes are unnecessary and unhelpful.

Femi also made it clear that he had no intention of taking sides, explaining that he maintains close personal relationships with both Seun and Wizkid. While acknowledging the emotions surrounding the issue, he expressed hope that tensions would soon ease.

“I am sure that you have seen that I have not said anything. Fela is our father, I think more of the younger artistes respect him and I do not think that it should have been an issue brought up because he is the template of many things both musically and artistically in Nigeria,” he said.

“So Fela should just be put in a sector of his own and we should just idolize and respect him.

I do not want to go into Seun and Wizkid’s matter because Seun is my brother and Wizkid is like a son. I just wish it did not arise and hopefully everyone would calm down very soon.”

With his remarks, Femi Kuti sought to lower the temperature around the controversy, urging respect for legacy and restraint, while subtly reminding the public that some icons stand beyond comparison.

“Wizkid is like a son to me, and seun is my brother, I just wished the whole thing between them didn’t happen and I really hope everyone would calm down soon. Fela is our father and every artiste respects him”

– Femi Kuti pic.twitter.com/GmFJEcPXbZ

— BASITO (@itzbasito) January 31, 2026

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on “Seun is My Brother, Wizkid is Like a Son” – Femi Kuti Breaks Silence.

Grammy-nominated Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti has shed new light on the extraordinarily unconventional relationship he shared with his father, the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, creator of the Afrobeat genre.

Speaking at a Book Chat during the recently concluded Ake Arts and Books Festival, held from November 20 to 22 at Bon Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Femi recounted how he grew up under an intense and unconventional upbringing.

The session, hosted by award-winning poet Dami Ajayi, focused on Mrs Kuti, the memoir of Fela’s late wife, Remilekun Kuti.

According to Femi, Fela’s expectations were extreme—he demanded excellence even without providing instruction.

“He (Fela) expected me to know how to read. How is it possible to know how to read if am not taught? If I haven’t got any formal education of any sort, how can I read? But I had to read. ‘You should know,’ he would say. ‘Did you take your brain and put it in my head?’” Femi shared.

He explained that for anyone who belonged to Fela’s inner circle, excellence was non-negotiable.
“If you are Fela’s person you had to excel beyond reasonable doubt. You just had to know. So you couldn’t give excuses. If you are somebody he is not close to, he probably would give you an opportunity to explain yourself. But people close to him, it was like, ‘Why did I have to tell you. You should know. You must be getting A in my class,’ for instance, if he was a teacher.”

Femi said he learned most things simply by observing his father, including developing the courage to live under constant threat.
“I learnt by just watching him. I would ask questions probably like ‘Are you not afraid to die?’ He would give me his answer. Because there were so many police raids, soldiers, beatings always etc. And I was living with him.”

He also recalled the confusing emotional dynamics of their home.
“And as I was growing up I would say ‘what’s wrong?’ Going to other people’s houses, children are getting along the conventional way. But if I failed, expecting a very harsh treatment, Fela would say, ‘Ah you failed, Well done.’ So I was in a big dilemma,” he revealed.

Femi’s son, Made, also an Afrobeat musicia,n joined the panel and affirmed his father’s account. He noted that even addressing Fela as “father” was not allowed.

“I don’t want to interrupt because he is being modest. Fela did not teach him music. He taught himself everything. There was no conventional father-child relationship. And also he couldn’t call his father ‘father’. Fela had this serious idea of a kind of a communist environment within his household so much so that everybody, including his children had to call him ‘Fela’.”

The conversation, rich with personal anecdotes, offered a rare glimpse into the complicated family dynamics behind one of Africa’s most influential musical dynasties a legacy built on brilliance, rebellion, and unconventional love.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Femi Kuti reveals why Fela never taught him anything.

HBO has locked in December 11, 2025, as the premiere date for its highly anticipated documentary, WIZKID: LONG LIVE LAGOS, a deep dive into the life, legacy, and global rise of Nigerian superstar Wizkid.

The film will debut on HBO and stream on HBO Max from 9:00 to 10:25 p.m. ET/PT, joining the network’s celebrated Music Box series.

Directed by Karam Gill with Bill Simmons as executive producer, the documentary retraces Wizkid’s journey from the streets of Lagos to the world stage, spotlighting how his sound has broken barriers, shifted perceptions of African artists, and pushed Afrobeats into global consciousness.

One of the standout moments in the film is Wizkid’s historic night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he became the first African artist to headline the venue. This feat marked yet another turning point in his international dominance.

The documentary also features insights from key figures in Wizkid’s life and career, including appearances from his manager and partner, Jada Pollock, Afrobeat icon Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, and media personality Julie Adenuga.

Long Live Lagos first lit up screens at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, earning glowing reviews for its storytelling and depth.

A collaboration between HBO Documentary Films, Ringer Films, Macro, and MGX Creative, the project captures not just the evolution of Wizkid’s artistry but also the cultural pride and global excitement his music continues to inspire across Africa and beyond.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HBO (@hbo)

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on HBO Announces Release Date For Wizkid Documentary Debut.

Afrobeat singer Made Kuti has taken to social media to shower praise on his father, music icon Femi Kuti, for achieving what many consider an extraordinary milestone, performing 24 concerts in just one month across Canada and the United States, all at the age of 63.

In a post shared via X on Sunday, August 17, 2025, the Grammy nominee highlighted Femi’s remarkable energy, musicianship, and dedication, while expressing disappointment that such a feat had not received adequate recognition in the media.

“Femi Kuti just finished 24 shows in 1 month on his Canada/US tour at 63 years old as a multi-instrumentalist/composer/singer/songwriter,” Made wrote, before adding: “But we won’t hear anything about that anywhere.”

He later clarified that his frustration was not aimed at fans but at entertainment journalists, who, in his view, often sideline landmark accomplishments in favor of controversy and negativity.

“If something bad/negative happened to him on the tour, he wouldn’t need to pay anyone to mention it,” he added.

For Made, the tour is more than a series of performances — it is a testament to Femi Kuti’s resilience and professional longevity.

He described it as a powerful example of what discipline and consistency can achieve, especially for younger artists looking to build lasting careers.

“Not many musicians over 60 are still touring the world,” he emphasized, framing his father’s success as both newsworthy and inspirational.

Ah let me be clearer.
I’m not referring to the general public not talking about it.
I’m referring to entertainment journalists (the profession that gathers information and shares that to the public).
The ‘we’ is everyone else.

If something bad/negative happened to him on the… https://t.co/bBrgMt5l9Q

— Mádé Kuti (@madeakuti) August 18, 2025

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Made Kuti Applauds Femi Kuti’s 24-Show Feat at 63.

Nigerian singer and Afrobeat musician Made Kuti has revealed that, unlike the generations before him in the legendary Kuti family, he has no interest in pursuing activism, a stance that marks a significant shift from the legacy of vocal resistance associated with his lineage.

In a recent interview with Pulse Nigeria, the grandson of Fela Anikulapo Kuti and son of Femi Kuti expressed a deep sense of disillusionment about the cost of activism in Nigeria, saying his family has “done enough” and paid dearly for standing up to injustice.

“When you look at Nigeria, you see how many years Fela fought. My Dad fought; Uncle Seun is speaking out now. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti—she was thrown from a storey building. She gave everything, and they killed her for it,” he recounted.

Made spoke candidly about the emotional toll of witnessing decades of activism yield little visible change, questioning the value of sacrificing oneself in a system that seems resistant to transformation.

“Sometimes you just reflect and say, ‘Well, what’s the point of it if all these people couldn’t bring change? What’s the chance that my song or my performance can really bring change?’” he said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pulse Nigeria (@pulsenigeria247)

Although he distances himself from active protest, the For(e)ward singer clarified that he still believes in the power of collective action. He stressed that real change only happens when communities act in unity, rather than relying on individuals.

“I believe it’s not in the power of one person. It’s the collective—when the right people do the right thing at the right time, that’s when change can happen. But whether that’ll happen in my lifetime, I don’t know.”

Despite choosing not to walk the same activist path, Made made it clear that he still strives to “play his part,” even if his approach is different from his iconic predecessors.

“I want to be able to look my children in the eyes and say I did my best. But I’m careful about selflessness—giving everything and receiving nothing in return. I believe we’ve already given enough.”

For Made, the decision is rooted in preserving the well-being of his family and loved ones while still living with integrity. His comments reflect a more cautious and introspective view on what it means to fight for a better Nigeria.

“I’m happy to be on the right side of history—but not at the cost of the people I love.”

Watch the full interview below:

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on “My Family Has Paid the Price” – Made Kuti Says He Has No Interest in Activism.

Late Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has posthumously received one of the highest recognitions in global music, as his iconic 1976 album Zombie has been inducted into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame the first and only Nigerian album to earn the honor.

Announced by the Recording Academy, which organizes the annual Grammy Awards, the Hall of Fame recognizes recordings that are at least 25 years old and possess “lasting qualitative or historical significance.” Fela’s Zombie, renowned for its fearless criticism of military dictatorship in Nigeria, now joins a revered list of timeless works by artists such as Jay-Z, Santana, and Cat Stevens.

The award was accepted on behalf of the Kuti family by Femi Kuti, Fela’s eldest son, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express gratitude:

“Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His music continues to inspire and unite people across the world.”

Our father’s legacy lives on 🙏🏾💫 We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His music continues to inspire & unite people across the world 🌎#Grammy pic.twitter.com/5mq9rNhq0V

— Femi Anikulapo-Kuti (@Femiakuti) June 11, 2025

Originally released in 1976, Zombie is widely regarded as one of Fela’s most provocative albums, using biting satire and energetic Afrobeat rhythms to challenge Nigeria’s military regime. The title track, “Zombie,” became an anthem of resistance but also made Fela a target of government hostility.

Nearly three decades after he died in 1997, Fela Kuti’s influence continues to reverberate worldwide. His pioneering of Afrobeat not only redefined African music but laid the groundwork for generations of artists who now carry his revolutionary message across borders.

With Zombie’s induction, Fela Kuti’s impact is once again solidified on the global stage—an enduring tribute to a fearless voice that still echoes through music, politics, and culture today.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Fela Kuti’s Zombie Album Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame.

In the newly released documentary Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, legendary Afrobeat pioneer Femi Kuti delivers a stirring tribute to global music icon Wizkid, emphasising his immense cultural influence and pride in African identity.

“You cannot ignore the impact of Wizkid. He’s putting us FIRST before any other culture or tradition,”
Femi Kuti states powerfully in the film.

This moment reflects more than admiration — it’s a passing of the torch from Afrobeat’s historical roots to its global present. Femi Kuti’s presence highlights Wizkid’s role in bridging generations, elevating African narratives, and representing the continent on the world stage without compromise.

“YOU CANNOT IGNORE THE IMPACT OF WIZKID.” #LongLiveLagos 🦅 pic.twitter.com/1fYZim8DsF

— Wizkid Source (@WizkidSource) June 7, 2025

Long Live Lagos is both a celebration of Wizkid’s journey and a vivid homage to the city that shaped him. With intimate interviews, electrifying performances, and raw footage from Lagos’ vibrant streets, the documentary showcases the chaos, creativity, and cultural depth of Nigeria’s entertainment capital, all through Wizkid’s lens.

Wizkid’s story — from his humble beginnings in Surulere to becoming a Grammy-winning artist — is told with emotional honesty. The film paints him as not only a superstar but also a symbol of modern African pride.

Whether through Yoruba lyrics, Nigerian rhythms, or Afrocentric fashion, Wizkid continues to put Africa first.

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos had its world premiere on June 6, 2025, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. Additional screenings are set for June 7 and June 11.

The documentary is distributed by HBO Documentary Films, with a release on HBO platforms, including HBO Max, expected soon, although no official streaming date has been announced.

In the meantime, fans can catch premiere highlights and behind-the-scenes content via YouTube and social media platforms linked to the event.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Femi Kuti Hails Wizkid’s Global Impact in New Documentary Wizkid: Long Live Lagos.

• When I left my father, his fanbase completely turned against me- Femi Kuti

Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti has opened up about the painful journey of carving out his own identity in music—an emotional path marked by rejection, public misunderstanding, and a strained relationship with his iconic father, Fela Kuti.

Speaking on the Sonically podcast, Femi reflected on his early struggles, revealing that his father refused to teach him music when he first sought guidance. Left to navigate the craft alone, he chose to blaze his own trail—an act many misinterpreted as rebellion.

“When I left my father, his fans turned their backs on me,” he recalled. “They said, ‘How dare you fight Fela?’ But it was never a fight.”

"When I left my father, his fanbase turned against me… My father said it to the press that my 1st album was rubbish…"

– Femi Kuti pic.twitter.com/J4THlse5S2

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) April 24, 2025

At the time, Femi found himself standing at a crossroads—haunted by self-doubt and burdened by the weight of legacy. With no formal musical education and the world expecting him to either emulate or worship his father’s path, he felt isolated in his quest.

“I was just lost,” he admitted. “Crying inside. They didn’t understand. They thought I was protesting against him. But he was my father before anything else. And I couldn’t turn back—I would’ve rather died than quit. It was better to die trying.”

The emotional toll wasn’t limited to public perception. Femi also recalled a moment of heartbreak when Fela publicly dismissed his debut album. “He came to the launch and told the press it was rubbish. I was so upset. I thought, ‘How could he say that?’”

Despite the sting of criticism and rejection, Femi Kuti never looked back. His story is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the courage to step out of a giant’s shadow—even when the world misunderstands your silence as defiance.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Femi Kuti Opens Up About Breaking Free From Fela Kuti’s Shadow.

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

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Femi Kuti urges Nigerians to stay and fight for the nation.

Afrobeat legend Seun Kuti has made startling allegations against the late Nigerian politician MKO Abiola, accusing him and his wife, Simbiat, of orchestrating a false robbery accusation against his father, music icon Fela Kuti.

According to Seun, the incident unfolded during the military dictatorship of Muhammadu Buhari. Under the strict laws enforced by Deputy Head of State Tunde Idiagbon, armed robbery was punishable by death.

Seun Kuti claimed that MKO Abiola and Simbiat fabricated a story alleging that Fela Kuti and his associates had violently stolen their Ferrari at gunpoint. This accusation, Seun asserted, was part of a plot to incriminate Fela and potentially lead to his execution under the draconian laws of the time.

“Abiola and his wife, Simbiat, lied against Fela that he and his boys robbed her of her Ferrari at gunpoint under Idiagbon’s regime,” Seun Kuti stated. “This was Abiola and his wife’s plan to kill my dad because, under Idiagbon, armed robbery was punishable by death.”

Furthermore, Seun Kuti stated that Fela was performing in Cameroon on the day Simbiat claimed the robbery occurred in Lagos. This provided an alibi and prevented Fela from being prosecuted. In response to the false accusation, Seun recounted an incident where Fela and his son, Femi Kuti, symbolically protested by delivering buckets of feces to Abiola’s residence.

“Fela and my elder brother, Femi, took 12 buckets of feces and, as his song says, ‘give me shit, I give you shit.’ They took it to Abiola’s house in the middle of the night and smeared his compound,” Seun Kuti explained.

Seun Kuti’s allegations have sparked renewed interest in the turbulent political history of Nigeria during the 1980s, highlighting the complex relationships and power dynamics of the era.

As of now, officials from the Abiola family or their representatives have not yet responded to Seun Kuti’s claims.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Seun Kuti Accuses MKO Abiola of Framing Fela Kuti for Robbery in Shocking Revelation..

In an exclusive interview on Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Iyabo Ojo’s Goldroom show on Sunday, December 17, 2023, Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti firmly asserted that the success and recognition he, along with his older brother Femi Kuti and nephew Made Kuti, have achieved are not solely attributed to their lineage as the descendants of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.

During the interview, the Grammy-nominated saxophonist emphasized the importance of deliberate efforts and dedication in the music industry, debunking the notion that their familial connection to Fela Kuti played a significant role in their accomplishments.

Seun Kuti pointed to the achievements of his older brother, Femi Kuti, aged 60, and his nephew, Made Kuti, in his 20s, highlighting their dedication to the craft as the driving force behind their musical triumphs.

Drawing attention to his family’s musical heritage, Seun mentioned that Fela’s father, Reverend Israel Ransome-Kuti, was also a musician. Despite Reverend Ransome-Kuti’s contributions to music, Seun noted that he never received recognition for his son Fela’s success.

Further exploring his family’s rich musical lineage, Seun highlighted his grandfather as a musician who recorded albums and wrote numerous hymns. Additionally, he pointed out that his great-grandfather holds the distinction of being the first person in Nigeria to record a song.

Dismissing the idea that their success is solely tied to being Fela’s children, Seun Kuti challenged the perception, stating, “It is not because of our dad that we are successful in music. My brother, Femi Kuti, is 60. I am 40. My nephew, Made Kuti, is behind us now too, and he is in his 20s. And he is actually the best of all of us. That’s what it means; it continues to progress because we are really dedicated to it.”

“It’s not just because we are Fela’s children. I mean, nobody says Fela is a musician because his father was a musician. Nobody knows that Fela’s father was a musician. My grandfather was a musician. He recorded albums, and he wrote a lot of hymns. My great-grandfather was the first person in Nigeria to record a song. We came from a lineage of musicians,” he added.

He illustrated a point by mentioning a brother who grew up in Australia, unaware of his Kuti lineage until his 50s. While not a musician, this brother excelled as a creative art director, underscoring the family’s innate creativity.

He said, “We even have a brother that grew up in Australia that didn’t grow up with the family, he didn’t even know that he was a Kuti until his 50s, he’s not a musician but he is a creative art director. It’s what we are. We are creative people. So, when people say we are successful musicians because we are Fela’s children, they are just being half clever.”

"Made is the best of all of us"

– Seun Kuti pic.twitter.com/PRdxXjMKts

— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 17, 2023

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Seun Kuti opposes the idea of artistic success tied to Fela Kuti’s legacy..