Nigerian music star and grandson of Afrobeat legend, Made Kuti, has revealed in a recent interview that his iconic grandfather, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, died a poor man despite earning significant income during his lifetime.
Speaking on the Tea With Tay podcast hosted by actor Taymesan, Made Kuti shed light on Fela’s philanthropic lifestyle, which he says ultimately depleted his wealth.
“Fela died broke. He made so much money that he could have bought an entire street, but he was too generous. He would return from a show, open a box of cash, and tell anyone who needed money to take what they wanted. His house operated an open-door policy. Anyone from the street could walk in or out of Kalakuta Republic freely,” Made recounted.
Fela, who passed away on August 2, 1997, at the age of 58, remains a global symbol of resistance and cultural pride, but his grandson’s revelations add a more personal and poignant layer to his legacy. According to Made, the Afrobeat pioneer never sought to build wealth for personal gain. He chose instead to prioritize communal living and equality.
“He didn’t let us call him ‘dad’ or ‘father’ because he didn’t want any of his children to feel superior. Everyone in Kalakuta was equal. That was how deeply he believed in fairness,” Made added.
Despite his global acclaim, Fela was often more celebrated internationally than within Nigeria during his lifetime—a fact Made also pointed out during the podcast. While the world revered Fela as a musical and political icon, his confrontational style and unapologetic activism often made him a controversial figure at home.
Fela Kuti is widely regarded as the founder of Afrobeat, a genre that blends traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. He was also a fierce critic of military regimes and corruption in Nigeria, a stance that led to frequent arrests, beatings, and the destruction of his Kalakuta Republic by government forces.
Yet, despite all the trials, Fela continued to use his music as a tool for social and political change.
Made Kuti, who now carries the Afrobeat torch as part of the third generation of the Kuti musical dynasty, has also used his platform to champion social justice and equality, echoing many of Fela’s ideals.
The revelation that Fela Kuti died poor may come as a surprise to many fans who associate him with fame, flamboyance, and influence. However, as Made Kuti’s interview reveals, Fela’s true wealth lay not in material possessions, but in his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, his people, and the legacy of Afrobeat.