Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has shared his thoughts on tribalism and the enemies of his family.
In a recent interview at the 2024 Felaberation Festival in Lagos, Femi Kuti stated that some of his family’s greatest enemies are members of their own ethnic group, the Yoruba.
He named former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late business mogul, MKO Abiola, as strong enemies of the Kuti family.
Femi Kuti however clarified that his family does not adhere to tribalism, as they were inspired by pan-Africanists during their upbringing.
He highlighted that he grew up with influential figures such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who instilled in him a sense of pan-Africanism.
Kuti further explained that he has friends from various ethnic backgrounds, both good and bad, and that his family is not tribalistic.
He stressed that it’s essential to recognize that ethnic problems exist, but it’s crucial to approach them with understanding and not perpetuate tribalism.
He said:
“Brothers and sisters, something very important is going on in our lives; ethnic problems. You call it tribalism. Please, do not bring the Anikulapos in your stupidity.
“We grew up with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
“Pan-Africanism was the order of the day. So, I didn’t grow up being sentimental. I saw good people, bad people. I’ve got great European friends, I’ve got terrible European friends. I’ve got great African friends, I’ve got terrible African friends.
“One of our [the Kuti family’s] greatest enemies as you know are Yoruba people; Obasanjo or Abiola. We are not tribalistic in our family.”