Made Kuti Reveals Why Fela Died Poor: “He Gave Away Everything”

Made Kuti, grandson of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has shed light on the reason his grandfather died without wealth, despite his global fame and success.

Speaking on the Tea With Tay podcast hosted by actor Taymesan, Made explained that Fela was deeply generous and lived a life rooted in communal values, often giving away all his earnings.

“Fela died poor… He was broke,” Made revealed. “He had the kind of money that could have bought a whole street, but when he came back from a show in Kalakuta, he would open a box of money and tell anyone who needed it to take what they needed. Anyone from the street could walk into his house—it was an open-door policy.”

Made also highlighted Fela’s philosophy of equality, noting that his children were not even allowed to refer to him as “dad” or “father.”

“He didn’t want any special treatment for them. Everyone was equal in Kalakuta,” he added.