My father, Fela Said My Music Was ‘Rubbish’ – Femi Kuti

Afrobeat legend, Femi Kuti has revealed that he faced strong resistance from both his father, Fela Kuti, and fans after leaving his father’s band in 1986 to start his own.

In an interview on the “Sonically” podcast with Elmo Chong, the musician revealed that his departure was seen as an act of rebellion by his father’s supporters, who turned against him.

Femi also recounted how his father criticized his debut album, calling it “rubbish” in a public statement during the album launch, stressing that this harsh criticism left him demoralized.

He said, “When I left my father’s band, his fanbase turned against me. It was like, how dare you fight Fela? 

“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. 

“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. 

“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 found his father’s approval years later when Fela saw him perform two of his hits, “No Place For My Dreams” and “Mind Your Business,” at the African Shrine.

Following this, Fela publicly praised Femi’s musical success.

KanyiDaily recalls that Femi Kuti recently opened up about some prophecy that was made against his family following the loss of his father, Fela.