Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti may have earned substantial wealth during his lifetime, but he died poor due to his overwhelming generosity, according to his grandson and fellow musician, Made Kuti. Speaking during an episode of the Tea With Tay podcast hosted by actor Taymesan, Made offered rare insight into Fela’s personal philosophy and unconventional lifestyle.
“He was broke. Fela died poor,” Made said, explaining that although the late music icon made enough money to “buy a whole street,” he freely gave it away. “When he comes back from a show in Kalakuta, he will open a box of money and say anyone who needs it should take it,” he recalled. “His house had an open-door policy—anybody could walk in and walk out at any time.”
Made also revealed that Fela rejected all forms of hierarchy, even within his own family. His children were not allowed to call him “dad” or “father” to avoid preferential treatment, as everyone in the Kalakuta commune was considered equal. Despite Fela’s iconic status today, Made claimed he was more celebrated abroad than at home during his lifetime, a sentiment often echoed by fans of the late pioneer.
