Afrobeat star Femi Kuti has opened up about the challenges he faced after leaving his father Fela Kuti’s band in 1986 to pursue a solo career.
Speaking on the Sonically podcast with host Elmo Chong, Femi revealed that both his father and Fela’s fans strongly opposed his decision, viewing it as an act of rebellion.
“When I left my father’s band, his fanbase turned against me. It was like, ‘How dare you fight Fela?’ But it wasn’t a fight. I was lost,” he said. “I had no formal education, and I didn’t know how I would become a great musician. I was crying inside, but people misunderstood it as protest.”
Despite feeling isolated and discouraged, Femi said he stayed focused on his dream. “I told myself I couldn’t turn back. I’d rather die trying. So I just continued, and I’ve never stopped since.”
He recalled a painful moment in 1989 during the launch of his debut album, when his father harshly criticized his work in public.
“The first time he heard my album, he walked on stage and told the press it was rubbish. I was so upset. He was the last person I expected to hear that from.”
However, Femi said he eventually earned his father’s respect years later after a performance at the African Shrine. Fela was impressed by his son’s songs “No Place For My Dream” and “Mind Your Business,” and later praised him publicly.
“He finally told the press how proud he was,” Femi said, reflecting on the long journey to gaining his father’s approval.