Seun Kuti, however, noted that Fela was hardworking and resilient in the face of challenges, despite his privileged background.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Popular singer and instrumentalist Seun Kuti has linked the success recorded by his father, the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, during his lifetime to his privileged background.
He made this known while appearing as a guest on the latest episode of the popular podcast show, Ada’s Room.
According to him, Fela’s background as the son of the famous nationalist and activist, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, gave him certain privileges in the music industry and society.
He, however, noted that his father was hardworking and resilient in the face of challenges, adding that members of his family are trained to work hard and not rely on their background.
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He further asserted that though his father’s name paved the way for him, he is still under pressure to meet the standard he set.
Speaking during the interview, Kuti said: “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.
“So, nothing comes from nothing. But 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 sax, writing my songs, or touring with me. 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.
“Because you are from a great family, people expect you to have that greatness. 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.”
