Why Fela Died Poor, According to His Grandson, Made Kuti
Despite accumulating substantial earnings during his life, iconic Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo‑Kuti passed away with very little to his name. His grandson, Made Kuti, recently offered insights into how this came to be.
In an episode of Taymesan’s podcast, Made explained that although Fela earned significant wealth from his music, it didn’t last. The reason? His extraordinary generosity.
He was broke. Fela died poor… He had the kind of money that could have bought a whole street but when he came back from a show at Kalakuta, he would open a box of money and tell anyone who needed it to take some.
He described the Kalakuta Republic—not just as a residence but as a community space where anyone from the street could walk in and out freely. Made emphasizes that the egalitarian spirit extended even to his family.
Fela reportedly forbade his children from calling him “dad” or “father,” aiming to prevent any special treatment. In his estate, everyone was meant to be equal.
Made also pointed out that during his lifetime, Fela received more acclaim internationally than within Nigeria.