LAGOS: For Omórìnmádé Aníkúlápó-Kútì, popularly known as Made Kuti, music was never a distant possibility it was part of his earliest childhood memories. Born into the legendary Kuti dynasty of afrobeat and activism, the 29-year-old saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader recalls how life at the New Afrika Shrine shaped his identity and artistry.
One sure memory was when the New Afrika Shrine was opened in 2000. I was about five years old, and I played the trumpet at the event.
Watching my dad perform four times a week for hours and still waking up for school the next morning gave me freedom.
I was always that child jumping on tables, riding skateboards and bicycles. All my childhood memories of the Shrine are happy ones,
Though raised in an environment where medicine, politics and activism were equally strong family traditions, Made insists music came naturally. Every instrument I wanted to learn, someone in my dad’s band taught me the basics.
I moved fluidly from trumpet to sax, piano, guitar, and drums. It was never forced. My dad only told me, ‘Practice if you want to be a good musician.
Today, the young Kuti plays five instruments fluently.
As a grandson of Fela and son of Femi, expectations are high. But Made views his lineage as a blessing, not a burden.
I know whatever I do will be linked to the family name. I just wish sometimes people could take my music as art in itself. My dad carried the real weight of Fela’s shadow.
For me, he has always been protective and ensures people know I’m doing my own work.
While Fela and Femi were defined by activism-driven music, Made prefers a subtler approach. His latest album, Chapter One: Where Does Happiness Come From? is an introspective project. My grandfather and father did activism powerfully.
But I ask myself, did people really listen? Instead of repeating the same thing, I focus on accountability and cultural change. Nigerians already know what politicians are doing wrong; my role is to inspire a mindset shift.
Still, one lesson remains constant from his father: discipline. My dad practised for hours daily. Even at 62, he still does. Watching him taught me that mastery demands sacrifice.
Made, who is married to fashion entrepreneur Inedoye Kuti, credits his wife as both a partner and manager. She runs her own clothing brand but also works as my personal assistant. She travels with me when she can. We are naturally compatible.
He shrugs off questions about ethnicity in marriage. My family is already mixed. For me, it’s always about values, not tribe.
Despite his personal growth, Made laments the state of live music in Nigeria. The economy is crumbling, venues are disappearing, and many talented musicians are struggling because people can’t afford to pay for shows.
I’ve been fortunate with opportunities, but the industry is in a really poor state for most artistes.
Currently on tour in Europe with upcoming performances in Paris, Berlin, and Montreux, Switzerland, Made will return to Lagos later in October for a Fela legacy exhibition at Ecobank, where he’s set to perform.
Awards and recognitions, he admits, don’t mean much to him personally but help open doors. They don’t make my songs better, but they bring attention and credibility.
Reflecting on his journey, Made Kuti remains grateful for the gift of family and the discipline instilled in him.
I don’t focus on standing out. I just try to create honestly. The Shrine is a gift I’ll never take for granted.
