When it comes to Afrobeat, Femi Kuti is the music’s anointed royal heir. The Nigerian singer, composer, saxophonist, and political activist, born Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti in 1962, is the eldest son of the musical genre’s legendary creator himself, the great Fela Kuti. As a bandleader Femi received his baptism by fire in 1984, when his activist father was arrested by the military at the Lagos airport just as his group Africa 80 was preparing to leave for shows in the US; deputized by his dad to lead the ensemble in his absence, Femi and Africa 80 went on to finish a triumphant American tour. Femi, who holds the world record for the longest single note held via the circular breathing saxophone technique, formed his own band, the Positive Force, in the late 1980s, and has released 10 albums and toured the world with the ensemble. He answered the questions below via email. Femi Kuti and the Positive Force will perform at Assembly in Kingston on July 29 at 8pm. Tickets are $53.63.
—Peter Aaron
In recent decades, Afrobeat has found fertile ground in America, most recently with groups like Antibalas and the Budos Band and the award-winning Off-Broadway musical about your father and his music, “Fela!”. Growing up as the son of the genre’s most influential artist, what has it been like to see Afrobeat resonate so strongly in America and other parts of the world?
I am very happy and proud with how my father’s musical creation has gained huge recognition. I think this is because of my father’s sincerity while creating such a powerful and inspiring genre.
You’ve collaborated with many US artists from the funk, soul, jazz, and hip-hop genres. For you, has there ever been a conscious feeling of connecting American-born music back to its roots in Africa?
Yes, there was a conscious feeling connecting, and it was very important from a historical perspective. We seized the opportunity to discuss Africa, and we did connect.
Although your father and his mother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti were outspoken advocates for human rights and other causes, and you have credited your mother, Remilekun Taylor, as your greatest influence. In what ways would you say that your mother has influenced you?
My mother installed virtues and self-discipline in me. If you listen to my track “Walk on the Right Side,” it’s all there—what she meant and more.
You once commented that “Nigerians don’t even know about the history of African slavery, because it’s not included in the textbooks,” and your song “Make We Remember” addresses this. This brings to mind the current situation here in the US, where there are people trying to erase our own history of slavery from textbooks and change the facts about things that have happened in the past to suit their agendas. As an observer who’s experienced similar revisionism, how do you think it can best be counteracted?
I don’t think the truth about historical facts can be erased, maybe just difficult to find. One must want to be informed and seek truth, and with the internet it’s easier.
Even though some of your lyrics address serious topics, your concerts are known to be joyous events. What is it you most hope that people get from the experience of attending a Femi Kuti performance?
I hope people are inspired from my concerts. I hope people find the energy not to give up fighting for a better life for everyone.
This article appears in July 2025.
