Grammy-nominated Afrobeat artist Made Kuti has revealed why he’s reluctant to follow in his family’s activist footsteps, despite coming from one of Nigeria’s most politically outspoken lineages.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Breakdown podcast, the grandson of Fela Anikulapo Kuti shared a heartfelt reflection on the burden of legacy and the emotional toll of fighting for a better Nigeria.
“When you look at Nigeria and you see how many years Fela fought, my dad [Femi Kuti] fought, Uncle Seun [Kuti] is speaking out now… Everybody in my family has done it,” Made said. “Even my great-grandmother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti—she was thrown from a story building. She risked her life for this country. They killed her for it.”
The young musician, whose family is synonymous with resistance and advocacy, admitted he often questions whether it’s all worth it.
“You might reflect and just say, ‘What’s the point if all these people couldn’t bring change? What’s the chance that my song or performance will?’”
Despite his skepticism, Made hasn’t completely given up hope. He believes change lies not in individual effort but in collective action.
“I truly believe it’s not in the power of the individual. It’s the power of the collective—when the right number of people at the right time do the right thing.”
Still, he was candid about drawing personal boundaries when it comes to activism, especially considering the sacrifices his family has already made.
“I’m very careful with selflessness—giving and getting nothing in return. I believe my family has done enough already. I have no interest in activism.”
“I’m happy to be on the right side of history, but not at the cost of my family’s wellbeing. I want to look my children in the eyes one day and say, ‘I did my best.’”
Made’s statement has sparked conversations online, especially among young Nigerians who share his frustration over the country’s slow progress despite decades of activism and outcry.
While he may not be waving protest banners or leading rallies, his honesty reflects a deeper conversation about legacy, burnout, and how the fight for justice can evolve across generations.
