Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has publicly addressed the issue of ethnic tensions in Nigeria, revealing that some of his family’s greatest adversaries come from their own ethnic group, the Yoruba. Speaking at the 2024 Felabration Festival in Lagos, Kuti named former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late business mogul MKO Abiola as key figures who opposed the Kuti family.
Kuti, the son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, explained that his family’s views and beliefs were shaped by pan-Africanism, which stands in stark contrast to the divisive nature of tribalism. He emphasized that the Kuti family does not practice or tolerate ethnic bias, having been raised with values that celebrated unity across Africa rather than a focus on individual ethnic groups.
“Brothers and sisters, something very important is going on in our lives—ethnic problems. You call it tribalism. Please, do not bring the Anikulapos into your stupidity,” Kuti said, addressing the audience during the festival. His message was a call for Nigerians to rise above ethnic divisions, highlighting how damaging these divisions have been to unity in the country.
Kuti’s comments reflect the long-standing tensions and challenges related to tribalism in Nigeria, where ethnic allegiances often influence political and social relationships. However, the Kuti family, known for their progressive views, has consistently advocated for pan-Africanism—a movement that seeks to unify African people across the continent, rejecting narrow ethnic loyalties.
“We grew up with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti,” Femi Kuti continued, naming some of Africa’s most prominent figures in the struggle for independence and unity. “Pan-Africanism was the order of the day. So, I didn’t grow up being sentimental. I saw good people, bad people. I’ve got great European friends, I’ve got terrible European friends. I’ve got great African friends, I’ve got terrible African friends.”
In his speech, Kuti acknowledged that while tribalism is still a significant problem in Nigerian society, his family had chosen a different path. Instead of focusing on ethnic or tribal identity, they have always prioritized a broader, more inclusive African identity, which has shaped their political and social outlooks.
Femi Kuti’s reference to Obasanjo and Abiola as adversaries is significant given the roles both men played in Nigeria’s political history. Obasanjo, a former military ruler and later a democratically elected president, has had a complicated relationship with the Kuti family, particularly with Fela, whose outspoken activism against government corruption and military rule often placed him in opposition to Nigeria’s leaders. Abiola, on the other hand, was a wealthy businessman and politician whose contested election victory in 1993 and subsequent death in custody during the military regime remains a contentious chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
“One of our [the Kuti family’s] greatest enemies, as you know, are Yoruba people—Obasanjo or Abiola. We are not tribalistic in our family,” Kuti declared. His statement underscores the fact that the Kuti family’s opposition to certain individuals is not based on ethnicity, but rather on political and ideological differences. Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, in particular, was known for his fierce criticism of Nigeria’s ruling elite, regardless of their ethnic background.
Femi Kuti’s comments at Felabration serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and collective action in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria and Africa as a whole. By rejecting tribalism and promoting pan-Africanism, the Kuti family continues to advocate for a vision of Africa that is rooted in solidarity and shared progress.
The Felabration Festival, an annual event that celebrates the life and legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, serves as a platform for both musical performances and political discourse. This year’s festival featured performances from various artists, but it was Femi Kuti’s powerful speech on ethnic tensions that resonated deeply with the audience. His words were a call to action, urging Nigerians to move beyond ethnic divisions and work towards a more unified and just society.
Kuti’s message is especially relevant in a country where ethnic politics often play a central role in elections and governance. By drawing attention to the dangers of tribalism and emphasizing the importance of pan-Africanism, he reinforced the idea that progress can only be achieved when people set aside their differences and work together for the common good.
As the festival came to a close, Femi Kuti’s speech left a lasting impression on those in attendance. His call for unity and rejection of tribalism echoed the values his father, Fela, had championed throughout his life. Fela’s music and activism were always closely intertwined, and his son has continued that legacy, using his platform to speak out on important social and political issues.
Femi Kuti’s remarks at Felabration not only highlighted the ongoing relevance of pan-Africanism in today’s world but also served as a reminder that the fight for unity and progress in Africa is far from over. By rejecting ethnic divisions and embracing a broader African identity, the Kuti family continues to inspire others to work towards a more inclusive and just society.
The Kuti family’s legacy of activism and pan-Africanism remains strong, and Femi Kuti’s speech at Felabration was a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to these ideals. As Nigeria and Africa continue to face challenges related to ethnic tensions, corruption, and social inequality, the message of unity and collective action championed by the Kuti family is more important than ever.
