‘My Grandfather Died Poor’ – Made Kuti Says Fame Doesn’t Equal Fortune

Afrobeat singer Made Kuti, grandson of music icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti, recently opened up about his grandfather’s life in an honest and eye-opening interview.

Speaking on the Tea With Tay podcast, Made revealed that although Fela was known around the world, he died a poor man.

“He was broke. Fela died poor,” Made shared. “He earned enough to buy a whole street, but he always gave the money away.”

Fela’s generous spirit meant that he rarely kept money for himself. After concerts, he would come home with boxes of cash and tell anyone in need to take what they wanted. 

His home, known as Kalakuta Republic, was open to everyone, friends, strangers, and fans alike.

According to Made, Fela’s fame did not equal wealth or comfort. He explained that true artists, like his grandfather, often came from struggle and used music as a way to express their pain.

“Fela was jailed and beaten many times. But each time, he returned with a powerful song like Zombie or Suffering and Smiling. That was his way of fighting back,” Made explained.

He also spoke about the realities of being a Kuti, saying that although the name opened doors in the music industry, it also came with pressure and pain.

READ ALSO: Meet the 18-Year-Old Who Made Over $1 Million in 3 Hours on OnlyFans

He believes that his father and aunt, who lived through Fela’s highs and lows, still carry emotional wounds from that time.

“They never got special treatment, even as his kids,” he said. “In Kalakuta, everyone was equal. They weren’t allowed to call him ‘dad’ or any respectful name. It was Fela’s way of showing fairness.”

Made pointed out that nepotism doesn’t work well in music, no matter who your parents are.

“If you perform and you’re not good, people will see it. You can’t fake talent.”

Despite Fela’s worldwide fame, Made shared that his grandfather was not well-respected in Nigeria in the years before he died in 1997. Public opinion had shifted, and many people didn’t speak highly of him anymore.

However, that changed when he passed away. His body was taken to Tafawa Balewa Square, where people expected only a few visitors. But instead, millions showed up to pay their respects.

“They carried him back to Kalakuta. It was aired on TV. That’s when people realized how much he meant,” Made recalled.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram