Julius Okorie
Disturbed by litany of bruises, deaths, tears and blood left as indelible marks on the Kuti family in the course of fighting for a better Nigeria, Omorinmade Kuti, better known as Made Kuti, says he is not ready to follow that route.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Afrobeat singer, songwriter and instrumentalist though aware that activism appears to have been in-born in the family, says he will not pursue the battle at the expense of his loved ones.
Kuti made reference to the activism and sacrifices of his family members, including his great-grandmother Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, grandfather Fela Kuti, his dad Femi Kuti, and his uncle Seun Kuti, which he said have failed to yield any expected results.
While expressing his willingness to remain on the right side of history, the Grammy Award nominee, insists that his family has done enough for Nigeria, and argued that change can only happen through collective efforts, not individual struggle.
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Speaking in a recent episode of the ‘Breadown’ podcast, Kuti said, “A lot of people, including myself, we act on our feelings. When you look at Nigeria and you see how many years Fela fought. My Dad [Femi Kuti] fought. Uncle Seun [Seun Kuti] is speaking out now. Everybody [in my family]. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti; they threw her from a story building. She was a righteous person that was so dedicated to the growth of Africa. She risked her life for everything. They killed her for it.
“You might reflect and just say, ‘Well, what’s the point of it [fighting for better governance] if all these people couldn’t bring change? What’s the chance that my song or my performance can really bring change?’
“But, I truly that it’s not so much in the power of the individual, it’s the power of the collective. I believe that it’s when the right amount of people at the right time do the right thing that’s what can create the spark for change.
But whether or not, it will be in my lifetime, I don’t know. I’m not an idealist. But I do believe that everybody has to play a part for the country to be better.
We cannot keep expecting what we didn’t deliver. For me, I play my part. I want to live my life knowing that I do what I have to do. Because I want to have children and I want to be able to look them in the eyes and said, ‘I did my best.
“Selflessness, I’m very careful with that. Giving and getting nothing in return. I’m of the opinion that we [Kuti’s family] have done enough already.
And I’ve really no interest in activism. I’m happy to be at the right side of history, but not at the cost of the wellbeing of my family and the people around me.”said the ‘Free Your Mind’originator.
Made Kuti started out his musical career playing the bass and saxophone with his father’s band, Positive Force. He started touring with the band at the age of 8, and released his maiden single titled “Free Your Mind” in October 2020.
Some say even without saying it, Made Kuti is not cut out for too much aluta continua both in appearance and conduct.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
