Yeni Kuti, the daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has shared her perspective on why her father’s reputation grew after his death. In a conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Yeni expressed her belief that Nigerians did not fully grasp the significance of Fela until he passed away.
Yeni stated that despite the mistreatment Fela received from the Nigerian government and its citizens during his lifetime, it took his death for people to realize that something valuable had been lost. She attributed this shift in perception to the fact that Fela’s music addressed government abuse and he actively fought against it.
Fela used to publish a weekly advert in the Daily Times, later becoming Punch, titled “Chief Priest Says.” In these ads, he would write about Nigeria and express his opinions. Additionally, he had his own printing press where he would print materials and criticize those in power. Yeni believes that it was through Fela’s activism and music that Nigerians gradually awakened to the truth about their country.
When asked if her father died happily, Yeni responded that it was a difficult question to answer. She explained that Fela was quite ill before his death, and someone in such a condition could not be expected to be happy. She also mentioned that many of the things Fela opposed started happening after his passing. In reflection, she speculated that it might have been better for him to have died when he did, considering the state of Nigeria at present.
Yeni Kuti’s insights provide a glimpse into the complex legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti and the impact his activism and music had on Nigerian society, both during his lifetime and after his death.