Made Kuti Reveals Afrobeat Legend Fela Kuti Died Poor Despite Global Fame

Made Kuti, grandson of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has opened up about the late music icon’s struggles and surprising financial state at the time of his death.

In a recent interview on the Tea By Tae podcast Made revealed that although Fela earned significant money during his lifetime, he died poor due to his generous and open-handed lifestyle.

Made Kuti explained that Fela operated an “open house” policy at his home, Kalakuta Republic, where anyone from the street could come in and ask for money, which he freely gave.

“He had the kind of money that could have bought a whole street, but when he came back from a show, he’d open a box of cash and say, ‘Anybody who needs it should take,” Made disclosed.

He also shared that Fela did not allow his children to call him “dad” or “father” to prevent any preferential treatment, insisting everyone in Kalakuta was equal. This ethos reflected Fela’s lifelong commitment to community, activism, and socioeconomic justice.

Despite his immense international recognition as the father of Afrobeat and an activist against oppression Fela struggled with his image in Nigeria during his final years.

Made noted that Fela was more appreciated abroad than at home where he faced government harassment and negative media portrayal.

Fela Kuti passed away in August 1997 at age 58, leaving behind a legacy of bold music and socio-political activism that continues through his descendants Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and now Made Kuti himself.

Made embraces this legacy by continuing to champion Afrobeat while speaking candidly about the challenges faced by the musical dynasty and his grandfather’s enduring message of generosity and resistance.