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Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti reveals untold emotional struggles and family fallout in a powerful new interview.
LAGOS, Nigeria— In a raw and heartfelt revelation, Afrobeat maestro Femi Kuti has opened up about the personal and professional pain he endured after breaking away from his father, the legendary Fela Kuti. Speaking during a recent appearance on the Sonically Podcast, Femi shared never-before-heard details of his early music career and the emotional storm that followed his decision to forge his own path.
I Will Rather Die Than Live In My Father’s Shadow
In the interview, Femi Kuti revealed that his father refused to teach him music when he was eager to learn, forcing him to start from scratch. This decision sparked a major turning point in his life — one that would lead to harsh judgment from fans of his father.
“When I left my father, his fanbase completely turned against me. They said, ‘How dare you fight Fela?’ And it wasn’t even a fight,” Femi recounted.
He described the period as one of deep confusion and emotional isolation. With no formal education and a growing need to define himself musically, Femi said he had to choose between remaining in his father’s shadow or taking a leap of faith into the unknown.
“I was just lost. I had no formal education, so how was I to become a great musician? I was lost and crying inside, and they didn’t understand. Everyone forgot he was my father. I couldn’t turn back. I’d have rather died trying.”
Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti reveals untold emotional struggles and family fallout in a powerful new interview.
In one of the most emotional moments of the podcast, Femi Kuti recounted the hurt he felt when his father publicly dismissed his first album.
“He came to the launch and said it was rubbish. He told the press! I was so upset. I was like, ‘How dare he say that?’”
Despite the pain, Femi Kuti used the criticism as fuel for his journey — a journey that has led him to global acclaim as a pioneer in modern Afrobeat, carrying forward his father’s revolutionary spirit while defining a legacy of his own.
As fans continue to celebrate the impact of the Kuti dynasty on African music and global activism, Femi’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional weight carried by those who seek independence in the shadows of greatness. His resilience, vulnerability, and dedication to his craft have made him not just a musical icon but a symbol of generational strength.
