Made Kuti, the grandson of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has revealed that despite his global fame and fortune, the music legend died without wealth to his name. Speaking in a recent interview, Made explained that Fela’s financial state at the time of his death was not due to mismanagement, but rather his overwhelming generosity.
“He was broke. Fela died poor,” Made stated. “He made a lot of money, he had the kind of money that could have bought a whole street, but he gave it all away. That’s the kind of person he was.” According to him, Fela would often hand out cash directly to people after his shows, living by an open-door philosophy that defined his home, the Kalakuta Republic.
The Kalakuta Republic was more than just a residence, it was a symbol of Fela’s ideology. Everyone who came there was treated equally, including his own children. Made shared that Fela did not permit his children to call him “dad” or “father,” choosing instead to foster a community without hierarchy or privilege.
Despite his global recognition, Fela’s popularity in Nigeria had begun to decline by the mid-1990s. Yet, upon his death in August 1997, millions turned out to honor him, a testament to his lasting cultural and political impact. His music, message, and legacy continue to influence generations, even if his bank account did not reflect the magnitude of his reach.
Fela’s story, as told by his grandson, is a poignant reminder that true wealth is not always monetary. In Fela’s case, it was measured in the power of his art, the reach of his message, and the lives he touched through selfless generosity.
