Without My Grandmother, There Would Be No Fela – Seun Kuti

Controversial musician Seun Kuti has once again sparked conversation after crediting his late father and Afrobeats pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's success to privilege rather than talent alone.

Speaking in a recent interview on Ada's Room, the Afrobeats star argued that the legendary Fela would not have become the global icon he is today if not for his background as the son of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the famous nationalist and activist.

While acknowledging his father's hard work and resilience, Seun insisted that greatness does not emerge from nothing. He emphasized that being born into a family of influence came with certain advantages that opened doors which might have remained closed for others. However, he was quick to note that in his family, there are no shortcuts, and hard work remains non-negotiable.

Seun also addressed the reality of being a "Nepo baby," admitting that his father's name grants him access to opportunities. But he stressed that the privilege comes with immense pressure, as people expect him to match the standard Fela set. He added that nobody in the professional world is willing to be patient with him, and the assumption that greatness is automatic only adds to the weight he carries as an artiste.

He said: "In life, nothing comes from nothing. Even my father; Fela, cannot be as great as he is if he wasn't Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti's son. If Fela was not born by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, there would be no Fela. You would never have heard about him.

"So, nothing comes from nothing. But the good thing about my family is that you have to work. There are no shortcuts to it.

"I can be a Nepo baby but my father is not on stage playing my sax or writing my songs or touring with me. My father's name would definitely open doors for me but as soon as you slide in, there is pressure on you to meet the standard he set.

"The fact that you are from a great family, people expect you to have that greatness. Nobody in the professional world wants to be patient with you and watch you grow or invest in you as an artiste. They just assume you have greatness in you and that puts you under a lot of pressure."