Femi Kuti, the acclaimed Nigerian musician and first son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has revealed the reasons behind his departure from his father’s iconic band. Seeking to carve out his own identity, Femi said he felt trapped, with no room for personal growth or even the possibility of starting a family. “Being under my father, I didn’t have any possibility of my own life,” he explained.

After forming his own band, Femi faced intense challenges as his father’s loyal fan base often overshadowed his work. The press, hostile and unforgiving, rarely gave him fair coverage, making it difficult for Femi to establish himself on his own merit. Without the internet or social media to share his side, he struggled to gain recognition as an independent artist.

Today, at 63, Femi Kuti reflects on that pivotal moment as a necessary step for his personal and artistic freedom. Leaving his father’s shadow allowed him to build a career that honors the Afrobeat legacy while expressing his unique voice and vision.