Grammy-nominated Afrobeat artist Made Kuti has expressed a firm stance on activism, saying he will not jeopardize the wellbeing of his loved ones in pursuit of a better Nigeria.
Speaking during a recent episode of the ‘Breakdown’ podcast, Kuti reflected on the long history of activism within his family — from his great-grandmother Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, to his grandfather Fela Kuti, father Femi Kuti, and uncle Seun Kuti — and questioned the tangible results of their sacrifices.
“A lot of people, including myself, we act on our feelings. When you look at Nigeria and you see how many years Fela fought. My Dad [Femi Kuti] fought. Uncle Seun [Seun Kuti] is speaking out now. Everybody [in my family]. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti; they threw her from a story building. She was a righteous person that was so dedicated to the growth of Africa. She risked her life for everything. They killed her for it,” he said.
Kuti expressed skepticism about the impact of individual efforts in bringing about national change, emphasizing the need for collective action instead.
“You might reflect and just say, ‘Well, what’s the point of it [fighting for better governance] if all these people couldn’t bring change? What’s the chance that my song or my performance can really bring change?’ But, I truly believe that it’s not so much in the power of the individual, it’s the power of the collective. I believe that it’s when the right amount of people at the right time do the right thing that’s what can create the spark for change. But whether or not, it will be in my lifetime, I don’t know. I’m not an idealist. But I do believe that everybody has to play a part for the country to be better. We cannot keep expecting what we didn’t deliver. For me, I play my part. I want to live my life knowing that I do what I have to do. Because I want to have children and I want to be able to look them in the eyes and said, ‘I did my best.’”
The musician also made it clear that while he values integrity and playing his role, he draws the line at self-sacrifice that harms those closest to him.
“Selflessness, I’m very careful with that. Giving and getting nothing in return. I’m of the opinion that we [Kuti’s family] have done enough already. And I’ve really no interest in activism. I’m happy to be at the right side of history, but not at the cost of the wellbeing of my family and the people around me.”
