Afrobeat legend and multiple Grammy-nominated artist, Femi Kuti, has opened up about the early challenges he faced in his career, revealing that his father, the iconic Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, once publicly dismissed his debut album as “rubbish.”
Speaking on the Sonically podcast hosted by Elmo Chong, Femi recounted the turbulent period in 1986 when he decided to leave his father’s band to establish his own.
He explained that the decision was met with strong opposition from Fela’s loyal fanbase, who saw the move as an act of defiance.
“When I left my father’s band, his fanbase turned against me. It was like, how dare you fight Fela?” he said. “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 crying inside me.”
Despite the emotional turmoil, Femi said he remained focused and determined to build his own musical path.
“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.”
However, the journey was far from smooth. Femi revealed that during the launch of his debut album in 1989, Fela stunned the audience and media by openly criticising the work.
“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,” Femi recounted.
Years later, Femi finally earned his father’s validation after a powerful performance at the African Shrine, where he played hits like No Place For My Dreams and Mind Your Business. Fela, impressed by the performance, publicly praised his son’s success, a moment that brought long-awaited recognition and healing.