Afrobeat icon Seun Kuti has opened up about his extraordinary upbringing under the roof of his legendary father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Growing up in the famous Kalakuta Republic, Seun described his childhood as one filled with cultural diversity, rebellion, and an unconventional mix of personalities.
According to Seun, their home was never an ordinary household—it was a hub of music, activism, and a melting pot of individuals from different backgrounds. He recalled that Fela was always surrounded by women, both black and white, yet he never changed who he was to accommodate anyone. Instead, those who entered the Kalakuta lifestyle had to adapt to African traditions, often embracing local attire and hairstyles.
Life in Kalakuta wasn’t just about music—it was an experiment in radical freedom. Seun revealed that their home housed ex-convicts, artists, intellectuals, and revolutionaries, creating an environment that exposed him to perspectives far beyond his years. He credited this unorthodox setting for shaping his understanding of the world, fueling his passion for Afrobeat and activism.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Seun described Fela as his “favorite person in the world.” He cherished the 14 years they spent together, acknowledging that despite the chaos of Kalakuta, he lived a privileged childhood, free from mundane household responsibilities.
Seun’s reflections highlight the lasting influence of Fela’s lifestyle and ideology—not just in music, but in fostering a bold and unapologetic approach to life that continues to define Seun’s own journey as an artist and activist.
