…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Yeni Kuti, the daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has shed light on why her father’s reputation grew significantly after his death.
In a recent conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Yeni expressed her belief that Nigerians failed to realize the importance of Fela until he passed away.
Recognition came after Fela’s songs and activism on government abuse.
Yeni Kuti stated that despite the mistreatment her father endured from the Nigerian government and its citizens during his lifetime, it was only in his death that people began to comprehend the loss.
She attributed this change in perception to the fact that Fela sang about government abuse and actively fought against it.
Fela’s bold actions and criticism through media
Yeni recalled how Fela used to place advertisements in the Daily Times (which later became Punch) every Saturday. These ads, titled “Chief Priest says,” featured Fela’s thoughts on Nigeria.
Additionally, Fela had his own printing press where he would produce and distribute materials that criticized and mocked the government.
Yeni believes that it took Fela’s death for Nigerians to recognize the significance of his actions and the loss they experienced.
Yeni reflects on her father’s state before his death.
When asked if her father died happily, Yeni responded that it was a challenging question to answer.
She explained that Fela was severely ill prior to his passing, and it would be difficult for someone in such a condition to experience happiness.
She further expressed that many of the issues Fela had fought against began to unfold after his death.
In hindsight, Yeni believes that Fela’s passing spared him from witnessing the current state of Nigeria.
In summary, Yeni Kuti shared her insights into why her father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, gained recognition and admiration after his death.
She attributed this delayed recognition to Fela’s activism and his songs addressing government abuse.
Yeni also reflected on her father’s state before his passing and expressed her belief that his departure spared him from witnessing the current state of Nigeria.
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