Fela Was Financially Strained Before Death – Grandson Made Kuti Reveals

Popular Nigerian musician Made Kuti has revealed a deeply personal and emotional truth about his legendary grandfather, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, asserting that the iconic Afrobeat creator died in financial hardship.

In a heartfelt conversation on a recent episode of the “Tea With Tay” podcast, hosted by Nollywood actor Taymesan, Made Kuti opened up about the late music icon’s financial condition before his death. He stated that despite earning substantial income from his global music career, Fela died broke due to his immense generosity and selfless lifestyle.

“He was financially down. Fela died poor,” Made Kuti affirmed. “He earned money that could have purchased an entire street. But after returning from shows at Kalakuta, he would bring out boxes filled with cash and simply announce that anyone in need could come and collect. It didn’t matter who you were — his home was open to all. People from the neighborhood could freely walk into Fela’s house. He operated an open-door policy where everyone was welcome anytime, day or night.”

This level of generosity, according to Made, was not limited to outsiders alone. Fela’s philosophy of equality and communal living extended even to his family. Made revealed that Fela never allowed his children to refer to him as “father” or “dad”, as he didn’t want them to receive any form of preferential treatment in Kalakuta Republic — the self-proclaimed commune he created in Lagos.

“All individuals were equal in Kalakuta. No special recognition. No titles. No hierarchy. That was how he lived and raised us,” Made explained.

Further emphasizing the late legend’s legacy, Made Kuti highlighted that Fela received far greater appreciation and recognition from the international community than from Nigerians themselves during his lifetime. While he was celebrated abroad as a musical revolutionary and political activist, his impact was often underappreciated at home.

It is worth noting that Fela Anikulapo Kuti passed away on August 2, 1997, at the age of 58, leaving behind a powerful legacy of activism, music, and social commentary. His works continue to inspire new generations globally, even as personal stories like these paint a more intimate picture of his complex life.