Renowned Nigerian singer Femi Kuti recently spoke about his unique childhood. He shared insights into growing up with his father, the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Femi explained he learned without direct teaching. Instead, he found his path through keen observation.

There were no formal lessons at home, according to Femi. Yet, Fela expected him to grasp things independently. Femi remembered being pushed to read. He had to understand many concepts. This was despite receiving no traditional instruction.

Learning Through Observation, Not Teaching

Femi clarified that a typical father-son relationship was absent from their household. Fela demanded excellence from everyone. Failure was never an option, Femi stated. Excuses were also not tolerated.

This environment forced Femi to rely heavily on observation. He learned from his father’s daily actions and experiences. His understanding of life emerged from watching Fela. He saw how his father managed danger. This included police raids and other challenges.

Femi often asked questions about fear and survival. These moments shaped his worldview deeply. They influenced him more than any formal classroom could.

Interestingly, Fela never showed anger over poor school results. His father’s reaction was confusing. It made Femi wonder what was truly expected. He pondered his role as a child in that unique home.

Forging an Independent Path

These experiences, Femi noted, fueled his desire for independence. He recalled leaving Fela’s band years ago. This was to build his own identity. He wanted to forge his own path in music.

Femi believed he was meant to be himself. He was not a mere copy of his iconic father. Fela even dismissed Femi’s first album. Despite this, Femi continued his work. He grew as an artist. He created a career reflecting his unique sound and journey.

Femi Kuti in His Own Words

Femi quoted Fela, saying, “He expected me to know how to read. How is it possible to know how to read if I am not taught? If I haven’t got any formal education, how can I read? But I had to read. ‘You should know,’ he would say. ‘Did you take your brain and put it in my head?'”

He added, “If you are Fela’s person, you had to excel. You just had to know. Excuses were not allowed.”

Femi further shared, “I learned by just watching him. I would ask questions, like, ‘Are you not afraid to die?’ He would give me his answer.”

He continued, “As I was growing up, I would say ‘what’s wrong?’ But if I failed… Fela would say, ‘Ah, you failed, well done.'”

Concluding his thoughts, Femi stated, “If God wanted me to be Fela, I would have been Fela. I had to be Femi Kuti.”