Open Letter to Seun Kuti
Dear Seun Kuti,
There are names that do not need validation. Fela Anikulapo Kuti is one of them.
Across Nigeria, Africa, and far beyond our borders, Fela is not just admired; he is revered. His music, activism, and defiance of power have secured him a permanent place in global history. Long before social media, long before online debates and viral arguments, Fela had already become a symbol. That status does not rise or fall based on who praises him the loudest online.
This is why the constant online bragging about Fela feels unnecessary and, frankly, counterproductive.
When people come online to boast about Fela as if his greatness needs defending, it cheapens something that should stand on its own. Fela’s legacy does not require social media muscle-flexing. It does not need reminders packaged with arrogance or pride. His music speaks. His courage speaks. His sacrifices speak. History speaks.
What is more troubling is the unintended effect of this posture. Excessive bragging has provoked backlash, especially among younger, restless voices online. Some now throw insults at Fela, not because they understand or reject his work, but simply as a way to provoke those who act as self-appointed gatekeepers of his legacy. In trying to defend Fela loudly, his admirers end up dragging his name into needless online mud fights.
That helps no one. Certainly not Fela.
Yes, Fela may be a biological father to some. But symbolically, he belongs to millions. He is the father of Afrobeat, the conscience of a generation, and a voice for oppressed Africans everywhere. His life transcended family ties. Once a man becomes a symbol, he no longer belongs to a single household or surname.
That is why humility matters when invoking his name.
Fela lived loudly, but his legacy is quiet in its strength. It does not beg for attention. It does not compete for relevance. It does not need to be used as a weapon in online ego battles. Those who truly understand Fela honour him by engaging his ideas, playing his music, and learning from his courage, not by turning his name into a badge of superiority.
At this point, the most respectful thing we can do is simple: let Fela rest.
Let his music breathe. Let his story stand. Let history do its work.
Regards,
Yemi Olakitan
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