Afrobeat singer Made Kuti, grandson of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has strongly condemned ethnic bigotry after facing criticism for marrying his wife, Inedoye Onyenso, an Igbo woman.
The musician, who tied the knot with Inedoye in a civil wedding in Lagos in November 2023, has repeatedly come under attack from individuals opposed to inter-ethnic marriages in Nigeria.
Some critics have accused him of “mixing blood” and betraying his Yoruba heritage by choosing a spouse from the South-East.
The latest controversy was sparked by an X (formerly Twitter) user, @AdemolaOgudu, who described Made as a “foolish Yoruba man” for marrying an Igbo woman.
The derogatory comment drew widespread reactions, with many Nigerians debating the persistence of tribal prejudice in modern society.
In his response, the Afrobeat star dismissed such criticism as backward and harmful to national unity.
“Believing ethnic superiority or inferiority is justifiable is slave mentality,” he wrote.
Made urged his critics to educate themselves with the works and philosophies of Pan-African leaders and thinkers who fought against colonial divisions and tribalism.
He referenced Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (his great-grandmother), Fela Kuti (his grandfather), Kwame Nkrumah, and Thomas Sankara as examples of Africans who championed unity and progress over division.
He emphasized that Africa can only achieve its full potential when its people reject divisive ideologies and embrace unity:
“Africa gains more when united. History shows us that division was a colonial tool to weaken us. We cannot continue to enslave ourselves with tribal prejudice.”
The Kuti family has long been known for its activism and advocacy for social justice.
Fela Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat, used his music to challenge oppression and dictatorship, while Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a respected nationalist and feminist leader who campaigned for women’s rights and against colonial rule.
Made Kuti, who continues this legacy through music and advocacy, has positioned himself as a voice for unity, tolerance, and Pan-African progress.
While some social media users sided with the critic, many Nigerians defended Made, praising him for confronting tribalism.
Supporters argued that love should transcend ethnic boundaries, pointing to Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength rather than weakness.
Others highlighted how inter-ethnic marriages could help reduce prejudice and promote national cohesion, particularly in a country often divided along ethnic and religious lines.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to grapple with ethnic tensions, which sometimes spill into politics, employment, and even social relationships.
Analysts note that inter-ethnic marriages, like that of Made and Inedoye, serve as symbolic steps toward healing deep-seated divisions.
By publicly rejecting ethnic bigotry, Made Kuti adds his voice to a growing call for Nigerians to embrace inclusivity and tolerance.
His stance also aligns with the wider Pan-African movement, which seeks to unite Africans beyond colonial-era borders and ethnic divisions.
Beyond the controversy, Made Kuti remains focused on his music career.
The Grammy-nominated singer continues to release socially conscious Afrobeat music that blends activism with artistry, following in the footsteps of his father, Femi Kuti, and grandfather, Fela Kuti.
For Made, marriage to Inedoye Onyenso is not just a personal choice but a reflection of his belief in unity across cultures. His message is clear: love and progress must triumph over prejudice.