Fela success was shaped by his privileged upbringing, says Seun Kuti

The late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti son, musician Seun Kuti, has stated that his father wouldn’t have been brilliant if he hadn’t come from a wealthy family.
He asserted that Fela had some advantages in the music business and society since he was the son of well-known nationalist and activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

However, he pointed out that Fela was diligent and strong in the face of difficulties.

The Grammy-nominated musician clarified that his family is taught to put in a lot of effort and not rely on their upbringing.

“In life, noting comes from nothing,” Kuti stated in a recent interview with Ada’s Room. If Fela wasn’t the son of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, he wouldn’t be as wonderful as he is. Fela would not exist if Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti had not given birth to her. He would never have come to your attention.

Thus, nothing originates from nothing. One benefit of my family, though, is that you have to work. It doesn’t have any shortcuts.

“I may be a Nepo baby, but my dad isn’t touring with me, writing my songs, or playing the sax on stage.” Although my father’s name will undoubtedly open doors for me, there is pressure to live up to his standards as soon as you walk in.

People expect you to be excellent because you come from a great family. No one in the business sector wants to invest in you as an artist or be patient with you while you develop. They simply believe you are terrific, which puts a lot of pressure on you.