Made Kuti, an Afrobeat musician nominated for a Grammy, has given an explanation of his skepticism about advocating for improved governance in Nigeria.
He clarified that the anticipated outcomes have not been achieved despite the activity and sacrifices of his family members, including his great-grandmother Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, grandpa Fela Kuti, father Femi Kuti, and uncle Seun Kuti.
He said he was more than glad to be on the right side of history, but he made it clear that he would not sacrifice his loved ones to fight for improved national administration.
The musician went on to say that his family has done enough for Nigeria and that group efforts, not individual struggles, are the only way for change to occur.
“Like myself, a lot of people act on their emotions,” Kuti stated in a recent episode of the “Breadown” podcast. The length of time that Fela fought in Nigeria is evident. Femi Kuti, my dad, got into a fight. Uncle Seun, also known as Seun Kuti, is suddenly speaking up. All members of my family. They tossed Funmilayo Ransome Kuti from a story-high structure. She was a devout individual who was committed to Africa’s development. She put her life in danger for everything. For it, they killed her.
“You might reflect and just say, ‘Well, what’s the point of it [fighting for better governance] if all these people couldn’t bring change? What’s the chance that my song or my performance can really bring change?’
“But, I truly that it’s not so much in the power of the individual, it’s the power of the collective. I believe that it’s when the right amount of people at the right time do the right thing that’s what can create the spark for change. But whether or not, it will be in my lifetime, I don’t know. I’m not an idealist. But I do believe that everybody has to play a part for the country to be better. We cannot keep expecting what we didn’t deliver. For me, I play my part. I want to live my life knowing that I do what I have to do. Because I want to have children and I want to be able to look them in the eyes and said, ‘I did my best…
“Selflessness, I’m very careful with that. Giving and getting nothing in return. I’m of the opinion that we [Kuti’s family] have done enough already. And I’ve really no interest in activism. I’m happy to be at the right side of history, but not at the cost of the wellbeing of my family and the people around me.”