Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti, son of the iconic Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has once again made it clear that while he honors his father’s legacy, he is not attempting to replicate it. In an exclusive interview, Femi addressed the long-standing comparisons between himself and Fela, stating emphatically that he is focused on his own journey.
“People always expect me to look, sound, or act exactly like my father. But I’m not trying to be Fela — I’m Femi,” he said. “That’s the person I’ve worked hard to become.”
Now in his 60s, Femi Kuti has spent over three decades building a musical legacy rooted in Afrobeat while exploring his own themes and style. Though unmistakably influenced by his father’s revolutionary spirit and sound, Femi’s music has often tackled different dimensions of African identity, politics, and personal freedom.
“My father was a trailblazer — his courage and vision changed everything. But if I spend my life trying to copy him, I’d be doing a disservice to both of us,” Femi added.
When asked if the pressure to live up to the Kuti name ever felt overwhelming, Femi admitted that it did at times — especially early in his career.
“There was a time people came to Shrine expecting Fela, not Femi. But over time, they began to see what I stood for. I’m grateful for that.”
Today, Femi continues to perform, tour, and mentor young musicians, many of whom see him as a bridge between the past and future of Afrobeat. Still, he remains committed to authenticity, not imitation.
“Respecting my father means also respecting myself. That’s the only way the Kuti name keeps evolving,” he concluded.
