Popular Afrobeat singer Femi Kuti has opened up on tribalism, describing Yoruba as one of the greatest enemies of his family.
The eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti made this known in a recent interview at the 2024 Felaberation Festival in Lagos.
He named former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late business mogul and politician, MKO Abiola, as strong enemies of the Kuti family.
He, however, clarified that his family is not tribalistic as they were inspired by pan-Africanists during their upbringing.
Femi added that he has friends from various ethnic backgrounds, both good and bad.
He said, “Brothers and sisters, something very important is going on in our lives; ethnic problems. You call it tribalism. Please, do not bring the Anikulapos in your stupidity.
“We grew up with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
“Pan-Africanism was the order of the day. So, I didn’t grow up being sentimental. I saw good people, bad people. I’ve got great European friends, I’ve got terrible European friends. I’ve got great African friends, I’ve got terrible African friends.
“One of our [the Kuti family’s] greatest enemies as you know are Yoruba people; Obasanjo or Abiola. We are not tribalistic in our family.”
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