Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti has opened up about the emotional and professional struggles he endured after leaving his father, Fela Kuti’s band to pursue a solo career in 1986. The Grammy-nominated musician revealed that both fans and his father himself did not initially support his decision, with Fela publicly criticising his debut album as “rubbish.”
Speaking on a recent episode of the Sonically podcast hosted by Elmo Chong, Femi recounted the backlash he received from loyal followers of Fela after choosing to forge his own path. According to him, many saw his move as a rebellion against the Afrobeat pioneer, rather than a personal journey of growth.
“When I left my father’s band, his fanbase turned against me. It was like, how dare you fight Fela?” he shared.
“But it wasn’t a fight. I was lost. I had no formal education, how was I going to become a great musician? I was lost. I was crying inside me. But people didn’t understand, they thought I was doing what I was doing because I was protesting.”
Despite the harsh judgment and emotional toll, Femi chose to stay the course.
“I just focused and said, I can’t turn back right now. I would rather die trying. So, I just continued and I have never stopped since then,” he said.
One of the most heartbreaking moments in his journey came during the launch of his debut album in 1989. Femi recalled how his father showed up at the event, only to dismiss his work in front of the media.
“The first time my father heard my first album at the launching in 1989, he said it was rubbish. He went on stage and said it to the press. I was so upset. He was the last person I expected such a harsh review from.”
However, Femi Kuti later earned his father’s respect and validation. Fela eventually saw him perform his hit songs No Place For My Dreams and Mind Your Business at the African Shrine, and his perspective changed.
“He then went back to the press to boast about my success,” Femi added.
The story is a powerful reminder of the pressure of legacy, personal resilience, and the eventual reward of staying true to one’s path.
