“My father left a huge vacuum in our hearts, and we didn’t know how to fill it.” — Seun Kuti explains the fight between himself and Femi.
In this revealing and enlightening conversation, Seun Kuti delves into the dynamics of his family, reconciliation with his brother Femi Kuti, and understanding in the wake of his father Fela Kuti’s passing. As the media often portrays a troubled relationship between him and his brother Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti clarifies the reality and shares the journey toward reconciliation. This heartfelt dialogue uncovers the nuances of family ties, especially in the shadow of a legendary figure like Fela.
How it all happened between Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti:
Chude: When I interviewed you 20 years ago, you and Femi were not in a great place, and I asked you about it. We had a long conversation about it, and I don’t even want to repeat some of the things that were said, but you were very angry at the time. What has led to the reconciliation in the family between you and Femi?
Seun Kuti: Through dialogue, you know, like I said, that’s how conflicts are resolved. People who really want unity are willing to talk; that’s what we did. I also don’t really think that because people say we are quarreling or bitter, that is really the case.
Chude: At that time, that was what people were saying in the media; you sounded angry, Seun.
Seun Kuti: Nahh, first of all, as I said, Nigerian media
Chude: You were around 20 at the time, so maybe that’s why.
Seun Kuti: My dad died when I was 14, so me and my brother settled out before I was 20. Like, we started talking again, but
Chude: But, hmm, Seun, you told me that he was oppressing you.
Seun Kuti: Well if I said that, (it was) because there was a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding, but the real issue wasn’t all of that. What we also didn’t grasp was the vacuum that the death of a man like my dad could create. The effect of such a vacuum is better understood by people who are older than us and more willy than us, and they have their own ulterior motives. They knew the vacuum had to be filled one way or another, and wanted to be part of what would have been there. Different things they were happening in our family at that moment until we understood that regardless of what anybody was saying, family first.
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