Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has clarified that his late father, the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, did not fight against the Nigerian government, but rather against the wealthy elite. Seun made this statement during an appearance on the Zero Conditions podcast, addressing common misconceptions about his father’s legacy.
Kuti explained that people often misconstrue Fela’s activism, portraying him as someone who was in constant battle with the government. However, Seun emphasized that Fela’s real struggle was against the rich and powerful individuals in Nigeria.
“People say Fela fought the government; Fela did not fight the government of Nigeria, Fela fought the rich folks of Nigeria,” Seun stated. He highlighted that Fela’s music often targeted the wealthy, as evidenced in songs like “Lady,” “Swegbe and Akpako,” “Ikoyi Blindness,” and “Ikoyi versus Mushin,” which criticized the elite’s role in Nigeria’s societal issues.
Seun also recounted how false stories were spread about Fela to paint him as erratic and frivolous. He mentioned an example where he himself believed a rumor that his father bought a Benz, cut the roof off, and used it to carry vegetables—a story Fela was surprised to hear.
Seun concluded by explaining that the alliance between the rich and the government led to Fela’s persecution. While the government physically assaulted him, the wealthy used their media influence to spread lies and propaganda, making Fela’s punishment seem justified.