Made Kuti Reveals Fela Died Broke Despite Global Stardom”

“My Grandfather, Fela Died Poor” – Made Kuti Opens Up on Shocking Truth Behind Afrobeat Legend’s Life

In a heartfelt and revealing interview, Made Kuti, grandson of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has shocked fans by stating that the music icon died poor, despite his global fame and legacy. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Speaking on the Tea With Tay podcast hosted by Taymesan, Made shared deep insights about his grandfather’s life, shedding light on the harsh financial reality behind the music legend’s bold persona.

“He was broke. Fela died poor,” Made stated.
“He made the kind of money that could have bought a whole street. But when he came back from shows, he’d open a box of cash and say, ‘Anybody that needs, take.’ His house was an open house. Anybody could walk in.”

The Price of Generosity

According to Made, Fela’s communal lifestyle and extreme generosity meant that money never stayed in his hands. His Kalakuta Republic was a haven for artists, activists, and the less privileged—but it came at a cost.

“His children weren’t even allowed to call him ‘dad’ or give him any special titles,” Made explained.
“Everyone was equal. But that lifestyle took a toll on the family.”

Legacy of Pain and Art

Made also pointed out that while bearing the Kuti name opens doors in the music industry, it doesn’t shield one from the brutal honesty of performance art.

“Music is one of the worst professions for nepotism,” he said.
“If I get on stage and I’m not good, you’ll know. You can’t fake it.”

He further revealed that Fela used music as a weapon against oppression.

“Every time he was jailed or beaten, he came back with a stronger song. Songs like ‘Zombie’ and ‘Suffering and Smiling’ were born from pain.”

A Legacy Rejected Before Loved

One of the most poignant moments came when Made recounted how Fela was largely rejected in Nigeria toward the end of his life, only to be celebrated after his death.

“By ’96, ’97, people weren’t speaking positively about him anymore. Then he died, and millions showed up for his funeral,” he recalled.
“They said no one would come to Tafawa Balewa Square, but the place was full. It was all aired on TV.”

Final Thoughts

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who passed away on August 2, 1997, remains a powerful symbol of activism, music, and resilience. But as Made Kuti’s revelations show, fame does not always equal fortune, and true greatness often comes at a personal cost.