Whenever there is a talk of Afrobeats in Africa, the name Fela Kuti is most likely to pop up more than once in the conversation. He was a legend and one who championed the sound and took it to the world.
Years after his death, the name continues as his children kept on the legacy of their father. The Kuti name lives on and the sons are great musicians just as their father was.
Both Femi Kuti and his son Made Kuti has been nominated for Grammy Awards for their joint album ‘Legacy +’ in the category of Best Global Music Album, showing what great influence the family still has in music in the present day.
Made Kuti while receiving awards on behalf of his father (Femi Kuti) and grandfather (Fela Kuti) at the Afrobeat Hall of Fame Awards in Lagos over the weekend expressed how proud he is to be a part of the family.
“I never let it pass by my cautious thoughts that I am always so grateful and honored to be a part of this family and to be born in this family so when I collect awards like this and learn about everything that they’ve done, it is inspirational not just for me alone for but everybody else that is a beneficiary of all the accomplishments that they’ve had.
“They are the sole initiator of my love for music. Seeing my dad perform four times a week at the shrine, watching him compose music, watching him take it to the studio, I was lucky to be a part of the entire process of some of his projects. When you see all these as a child with so much consistency it puts you in awe and that can either push you in the direction of loving that craft or being afraid of that craft.”
As a tribute to Fela, Made joined Wizkid on stage to perform one of Fela’s iconic songs, ‘Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am.’
On Saturday, February 26, 2022, in The Amore Gardens, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, the inaugural Afrobeat Hall of Fame induction was held, with several renowned musicians and event organizers being awarded plaques.