Fela Died Broke Despite Earning Millions – Grandson Made Kuti Reveals

Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti may have earned massive wealth during his lifetime, but according to his grandson, Made Kuti, the music icon died poor due to his extreme generosity.

Made made the revelation during a recent appearance on the Tea With Tay podcast, hosted by Nigerian actor and media personality Taymesan. In the candid conversation, the young musician shared rarely discussed details about the late Afrobeat pioneer’s financial choices and lifestyle.

“He was broke. Fela died poor,” Made stated. “He had the kind of money that could have bought a whole street, but when he came back from shows at Kalakuta, he would open a box of money and tell anyone who needed it to take. Anyone from the street could walk into Fela’s house.”

According to Made, Fela’s Kalakuta Republic was built on a philosophy of radical equality. Fela rejected the idea of treating his family differently from others.

“His children were not allowed to call him ‘dad’ or ‘father.’ He didn’t want them to receive any preferential treatment. In Kalakuta, everybody was equal,” he explained.

Beyond his financial practices, Made also commented on the disparity between Fela’s international recognition and his local reception.

“During Fela’s lifetime, he was appreciated more internationally than he was locally,” he said, echoing sentiments long held by Fela’s fans and family who believe the Nigerian music legend was underappreciated at home.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who pioneered the Afrobeat genre and was also known for his fearless activism against military regimes in Nigeria, passed away on August 2, 1997, at the age of 58. His death marked the end of an era, but his music and revolutionary legacy have continued to shape generations.