Music artist Made Kuti has revealed that his grandfather, Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, died poor despite making substantial money during his lifetime.
Speaking on the Tea With Tay podcast hosted by actor Taymesan, Made explained that Fela’s excessive generosity contributed to his financial struggles in his later years.
“He was broke. Fela died poor,” Made said. “He had the kind of money that could have bought a whole street, but when he comes back from a show in Kalakuta, he will open a box of money and say anyone who needs it should take it.”
According to him, Fela operated an “open house policy” where anyone from the streets could walk in or out freely, further reflecting his selfless nature.
Made also disclosed that Fela didn’t allow his children to refer to him as “dad” or “father” in a bid to avoid giving them any special treatment. “Everybody was equal in Kalakuta,” he added.
He went on to claim that Fela enjoyed more appreciation internationally than he did within Nigeria during his lifetime.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat music and a fearless political activist, died on August 2, 1997, at the age of 58.
