Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has revealed that his late father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeats, had over 100 concubines in addition to his 27 wives.
Kuti made this disclosure on the latest episode of the 'Bahd & Boujee' Podcast, co-hosted by reality star Tolanibaj and actress Moet Abebe. During the podcast, Kuti explained that the public was only aware of Fela’s 27 wives but remained unaware of his numerous concubines who also lived with him.
"People only know of Fela’s 27 wives; they don’t know of his over 100 girlfriends that lived with us in the house," Kuti remarked. This revelation sheds new light on the personal life of Fela, who was as controversial in his personal relationships as he was influential in his music career.
Seun Kuti's comments came after he recently revealed that his father married 27 women on the same day in an effort to preserve their honor and dignity. At the time, the media had labeled Fela’s female dancers and band members living with him as “prostitutes.” This mass wedding, which took place in 1978, was seen as a bold move by Fela to protect the women associated with him from societal stigma.
Fela Kuti’s lifestyle, marked by his polygamous marriages and unconventional living arrangements, was reflective of his broader defiance against societal norms and political oppression. His decision to marry 27 women in one day was a testament to his commitment to challenging conventional boundaries and supporting those close to him.
The revelation of over 100 concubines adds another layer to Fela’s already complex personal narrative. Known for his radical views and revolutionary music, Fela’s home life was equally unconventional. His Kalakuta Republic, a communal compound, served as a home for his family, band members, and numerous associates. It was a place where Fela’s ideals of freedom and rebellion were lived out daily.
Seun Kuti's discussion about his father’s relationships underscores the complicated dynamics within the Kalakuta Republic. The communal living arrangement was not just about defying societal norms but also about creating a space where those marginalized by society could find refuge and support.
Fela’s relationships with his wives and concubines were likely influenced by his personal beliefs and cultural views. Polygamy, while controversial, was seen by Fela as a way to foster a community and provide protection for the women who were part of his life and work. His marriages and relationships were as much a part of his rebellion against colonial and post-colonial African societal structures as his music and political activism.
Fela’s legacy, marked by his contributions to music and his defiance of oppressive regimes, is well-documented. However, the personal aspects of his life, such as his relationships, continue to fascinate and provoke discussion. Seun Kuti's revelations offer a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of Fela's life, providing a fuller picture of the man behind the music.
The lifestyle at Kalakuta Republic, while controversial, also speaks to the broader themes of community and resistance that were central to Fela’s life and work. It was a place where artistic expression, political dissent, and personal freedom were encouraged and celebrated, often in direct opposition to the prevailing societal norms.
For Seun Kuti, discussing his father’s life and relationships is part of continuing the legacy of openness and rebellion that Fela embodied. By sharing these stories, he not only honors his father’s memory but also invites a deeper understanding of the complexities that defined Fela’s life.
Seun Kuti’s revelation that Fela Kuti had over 100 concubines in addition to his 27 wives offers new insights into the personal life of the Afrobeat legend. This disclosure highlights the unconventional and controversial aspects of Fela’s relationships, reflecting his broader defiance against societal norms. As Fela’s legacy continues to be celebrated, these personal stories enrich our understanding of the man whose music and activism left an indelible mark on the world.
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