Fela Died Poor Despite Earning Millions — Grandson Made Kuti Reveals

Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti died poor despite making a fortune during his lifetime, his grandson and fellow musician, Made Kuti, has disclosed. Speaking during a recent episode of the Tea With Tay podcast hosted by actor Taymesan, Made said Fela's excessive generosity led to his financial ruin.

“He was broke. Fela died poor… He had the kind of money that could have bought a whole street, but when he comes back from a show in Kalakuta, he will open a box of money and say anyone who needs it should take it,” Made said. He added that Fela operated an open-door policy where even strangers could freely enter and leave his home.

He further revealed that Fela refused to allow his children call him “dad” or “father” to avoid any form of privilege, emphasizing equality within the Kalakuta Republic. According to him, Fela was more appreciated internationally than he was locally during his lifetime. Fela died on August 2, 1997, at the age of 58.