Yoruba People Are My Family’s Greatest Enemies” – Femi Kuti

Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti makes a startling claim, stating that the Yoruba people have historically been his family’s greatest enemies, sparking widespread reactions.

Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has expressed that some of the most significant adversaries his family faces come from within their own ethnic group, the Yoruba.

While speaking at the 2024 Felaberation Festival in Lagos, he highlighted former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late business tycoon MKO Abiola as notable adversaries of the Kuti family.

He explained that his family rejects tribalism, having been influenced by pan-Africanists during their upbringing.

He said, “Dear brothers and sisters, we are currently facing a significant issue in our lives: ethnic tensions, often referred to as tribalism. I urge you not to involve the Anikulapos in such foolishness.”

We were raised with the influences of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti shaping our lives.

During that time, Pan-Africanism was very prominent. As a result, I learned early on not to be sentimental about people; instead, I recognized both the good and the bad in everyone around me. Among Europeans and Africans alike, I’ve formed friendships with wonderful individuals as well as encountered those who were less so.

As you know, some of the Kuti family’s biggest adversaries have been Yoruba individuals like Obasanjo or Abiola. However, we are not a tribalistic family.