Why Fela Should Have Been A National Father, Not A Parent – Yeni Kuti Speaks

The legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti’s daughter, Yeni Kuti has said that her father should have been a national father and not a parent.

In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, the media personality, Yeni shared her opinion on Fela’s parenthood.

She said that she and her siblings did not feel favoured by Fela despite being his biological children.

Yeni added that they never addressed him as daddy.

“I don’t even think he should have had children, I think he should have just been a national father,” she said.

“We didn’t feel any special bond that we were Fela’s children or he was going to favour you because you are his child.

“You are just another human being as far as he was concerned.

“It was different because we didn’t call him daddy for instance.”

Yeni is the first daughter of Fela Kuti and matriarch of the Kuti clan.

It was due to her father’s inspiration that she embarked on a music and dance career.

Yeni became a member of Egypt 80, her father’s band.

She showcased her talents as both a dancer and a backup singer.

She later formed her own band called Yeni Kuti and the Positive Force.

There, she continued to promote Afrobeat music and carry on her father’s musical legacy.

Yeni Kuti currently serves as a co-manager of the New Afrika Shrine alongside Femi Kuti, her brother.