Nigerian Afrobeat musician and multi-instrumentalist Omorinmade Anikulapo Kuti, known professionally as Made Kuti, has opened up about the complexities of carrying the Kuti legacy.
In a candid conversation on the Tea With Tay podcast, hosted by Taymesan on August 2, Made discussed the intersections of privilege, purpose, and pain in following the legendary footsteps of his grandfather, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
“Music is one of the worst places for nepotism to work,” Made said. “Because if I’m not good, people will see right through it. You can’t fake it on stage.”
Responding to whether his ability to pursue music stems from privilege, Made admitted his surname opened doors that might have otherwise been shut.
“As a Kuti, I can’t deny the advantage. But many of the music genres we respect today punk, blues, jazz, hip-hop came from struggle. Fela’s music was born out of pain. Every time he was beaten or jailed, he came back with a stronger song. That was his resistance.”
Despite Fela’s global influence and musical genius, Made revealed a surprising truth.
“He died broke,” he said. “Fela made enough to buy a whole street, but he gave it all away. He’d come back from a show, open a box of cash, and say, ‘Anyone who needs, take.’ His house was open to all.”
In Kalakuta Republic, everyone was equal. Fela didn’t allow his children to call him “dad” or use any special titles. According to Made, this took a psychological toll on the family.
“He didn’t want them treated differently—but they weren’t okay. I believe my father and aunt genuinely need therapy. They watched him rise, fall, and die without ever being prioritized as his children.”
Made also touched on how Fela’s popularity had faded toward the end of his life.
“By 1996, ’97, the public wasn’t speaking positively about him anymore. But when he died, they expected no one at his memorial—and millions came. They carried him back to Kalakuta. It was on TV.”
Now leading the third generation of Kuti musicians, Made is determined to let his art not just his name define him.
“Legacy is real, but so is responsibility,” he said. “I respect the name, but I want my craft to speak louder than my bloodline.”
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