Seun Kuti Reflects on How Fela Kuti Influenced White Women Who Visited Their Home
Seun Kuti, son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, recently opened up about his father’s influence on the white women who visited and lived in their home. During an Instagram Live session, Seun shared memories from his childhood, recalling how these women fully embraced African culture under Fela’s influence.
According to Seun, their home was always filled with a mix of Nigerian friends and foreign visitors, particularly white women who were drawn to Fela’s music, philosophy, and unapologetic pride in African heritage. However, instead of Fela adapting to Western norms to accommodate them, it was the women who found themselves transforming.
“My father had white women in his house. When I grew up, there were at least two white women living with us at any time, alongside black women. Instead of Fela wearing a suit and tie to impress them, they were the ones who changed. They started dressing in what we called ‘shrine regalia’—traditional African clothing—and adopting African hairstyles,” Seun explained.
Fela Kuti, known not just for his revolutionary music but also for his deep-rooted Afrocentrism, never compromised his identity. His love for Africa and dedication to its culture were so strong that those around him naturally absorbed his influence. Seun emphasized that Fela’s unwavering sense of self inspired people, even those from different backgrounds, to embrace African traditions rather than impose their own.
“Fela never changed because of them; they changed because of him,” Seun added. “He already knew who he was and had a deep love for Africa.”
Fela Kuti’s legacy continues to inspire conversations about cultural pride, self-identity, and African consciousness. His impact extended beyond music—it shaped the minds and perspectives of those who encountered him, leaving a lasting influence on people from all walks of life.
Seun’s reflection is yet another testament to his father’s powerful presence, proving that Fela wasn’t just an artist—he was a movement.