- The singer revealed that he was often judged because of his father’s persona
- Seun described how even his relationship was affected because of his paternity
Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti opened up about the challenges he faced growing up as the son of the legendary Fela Kuti.
Despite being born into a musical dynasty, Seun Kuti found himself stigmatized and judged due to his father’s larger-than-life persona.
In a recent interview with actress Iyabo Ojo, Seun Kuti stated that his paternity had an impact on his life, even his relationship, emphasizing that he couldn’t go to his girlfriend’s father’s house because of that.
As Fela’s son, people often had preconceived notions about him, he claims.
He stated that because his late father did nothing to merit it, the stigmatization was abhorrent.
Seun Kuti said:
“Growing up, I was stigmatized for being Fela’s son. I couldn’t even enter my girlfriend’s father’s house. Even the street, people would always point at me and say, ‘See Fela pikin.’ It was annoying because my father didn’t do anything.
“Now, these killers, murderers, corrupt thieves that their actions are killing millions of Nigerians everyday, you are willing to be in party with them and hailing them. We need to check ourselves.”
He also revealed that he joined Egypt 80, his late father’s band, when he was just 8 years old.
Similarly, Yeni Kuti opened up on how being Fela’s daughter ruined my love life .
According to Yeni Kuti, being Fela’s daughter comes with its own set of extraordinary expectations and societal preconceptions, which often overshadowed her personal pursuits for love and companionship.
The dancer and former fashion designer, revealed that growing up as Fela’s child was not easy and kind of ruined some certain things for her, especially in issues of relationship.
Yeni recalled how the mother of a guy she was dating at one time, pushed her out of their house, accusing her of seeking to ruin her son’s life.