Fela’s success was aided by privilege, says Seun Kuti

Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has said that privilege played a significant role in the success of his late father, Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Speaking during a recent interview on Ada’s Room, Seun argued that while Fela was talented, hardworking and resilient, his family background also contributed to his rise to prominence.

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According to him, being the son of renowned activist and women’s rights advocate Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti gave Fela opportunities that helped shape his career.

“In life, nothing comes from nothing. Even my father; Fela cannot be as great as he is if he wasn’t Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s son. If Fela was not born by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, there would be no Fela. You would never have heard about him,” he said.

Seun, however, stressed that privilege alone does not guarantee success, noting that members of his family are expected to work hard and earn their achievements.

“The good thing about my family is that you have to work. There are no shortcuts to it. I can be a nepo baby, but my father is not on stage playing my saxophone, writing my songs or touring with me,” he added.

The singer acknowledged that carrying a famous family name can create opportunities but also comes with enormous pressure and expectations.

“My father’s name would definitely open doors for me, but as soon as you slide in, there is pressure on you to meet the standard he set. The fact that you are from a great family, people expect you to have that greatness,” he said.

Seun further noted that people often assume children of successful figures already possess exceptional abilities, leaving little room for growth or mistakes.

“Nobody in the professional world wants to be patient with you and watch you grow or invest in you as an artiste. They just assume you have greatness in you, and that puts you under a lot of pressure,” he stated.