During a recent episode of the Tea With Tay podcast, Afrobeat artist Made Kuti shared new insights into his grandfather Fela Anikulapo‑Kuti’s final days.
He claimed that although Fela once earned enough wealth to “buy a whole street,” he died impoverished due to his habit of giving money freely to anyone in need.
After his shows, Fela would reportedly open a box of cash and invite people from the street to help themselves. Kalakuta operated like a free-for-all guest house, welcoming any visitor at any time.
Made added that inside the Kalakuta community, there were no special privileges. Even Fela’s own children were not permitted to call him “dad” or “father,” ensuring equality among residents
Furthermore, Made noted the irony that while Fela was celebrated abroad, local appreciation in Nigeria was limited during his lifetime
Fela, who died on August 2, 1997, at age 58, remains legendary for pioneering Afrobeat and using his music to fight social and political injustice.
His Kalakuta Republic commune and musical activism left a lasting impact, though his personal finances suffered because of an unwavering commitment to generosity.
