Nigerian Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti, son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has reflected on the immense pressure of living up to his father’s legendary reputation.
In a recent conversation on the Afropolitan podcast, the 63-year-old musician shared the challenges he faced while forging his own path in the music industry, including the tough decision to leave his father’s band to develop a distinct sound.
Femi revealed that the expectations began early, even during his school years. “Growing up, everyone would ask, ‘Are you going to be like your father? When will you start playing music like him?’ There was this constant pressure to emulate him,” he recalled.
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He described how he initially tried to mirror Fela, from his musical approach to his fashion. “I realized I couldn’t be Fela, so I decided to be Femi Kuti. I even wore the same style of clothes because I spent time with both my parents, and during those moments with my father, I felt incredible freedom. It was probably the happiest time of my life—I was like mini Fela,” Femi said.
Fronting his father’s band for two years while Fela was imprisoned under Muhammadu Buhari’s military regime gave him valuable insight. However, it also made him realize he needed to carve out his own identity. This led him to leave the band and even turn down a US tour that would have tripled his salary.
The decision, however, was met with criticism from fans and the media. “I knew I had to find my own way, or I would be deeply unhappy. Once I started, some people noticed the change and resented it,” he explained.
Femi also recounted the backlash he faced after leaving his father’s band and moving back to his mother’s house. “I formed my own band, and Fela’s fans came down on me. The press wasn’t kind either; there was no internet at the time to defend myself,” he said.
He emphasized that his move was about reclaiming his life. “Being under my father’s wing, I had no real control over my life, even when it came to having children. I realized I was living through him, not for myself,” Femi added.
