Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti, professionally known as Seun Kuti, is a Nigerian musician, singer, saxophonist, and leader of Egypt 80, the band founded by his father Fela Kuti. He directs Egypt 80, producing albums that fuse funk, jazz, and calls for change.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti |
| Date of birth | January 11, 1983 |
| Place of birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Lagos State (Yoruba) |
| Parents | Fela Kuti (father), Fehintola Anikulapo-Kuti (mother) |
| Siblings | Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Made Kuti, and others |
| Partner | Yetunde George Ademiluyi (wife) |
| Children | Ifafunmike Adara Anikulapo-Kuti (daughter, b. 2013) |
| Occupation | Musician, Singer, Activist |
| Labels | Knitting Factory Records, Strut Records, Record Kicks |
| Net worth | $1-5 million (est.) |
Early Life and Education
Seun was born in Lagos on January 11, 1983, displaying musical talent from age five and joining Egypt 80 at nine. His mother, Fehintola Anikulapo Kuti, was one of Fela’s ex-wives and endured hardships like the Kalakuta raid.
He later studied popular music and sound technology at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where he participated in the River Niger ensemble.
Career
Following Fela’s death in 1997, 14-year-old Seun assumed leadership of Egypt 80 as per his father’s wishes, guiding the band on international tours while developing as a saxophonist and percussionist.
His debut album Many Things (2008) established Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, blending traditional Afrobeat with modern influences; it featured collaborations like with Egyptian musician Femi Kuti on tracks critiquing globalization.
Key releases followed: From Africa With Fury: Rise (2011), produced by Marc Ribot, addressed African unity; A Long Way to the Beginning (2014) explored personal and political themes; Black Times (2018) tackled global inequality; Night Dreamer Direct to Disc Sessions (2019) captured live energy; and Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) (2024) on Record Kicks amplified revolutionary messages.
He has collaborated widely, including on Calle 13’s Todo se mueve (2010), Jidenna’s 85 to Africa (2019) with an outro promoting a pan-African highway, Sinéad O’Connor’s work, and Janelle Monáe’s Float (2023).
In 2023, he signed with Knitting Factory Management for global promotion. Seun revived Fela’s Movement of the People party in 2020, aiming for INEC registration, and performs regularly at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, upholding his father’s activist ethos through music addressing poverty, corruption, and neocolonialism.
Personal Life
Seun is the youngest child of Fela Kuti and Fehintola Anikulapo-Kuti; his prominent siblings include Femi Kuti (also an Afrobeat musician), Yeni Kuti (dancer and businesswoman), and Made Kuti (grandnephew often collaborating with him), among about 20 half-siblings from Fela’s many relationships.
He is married to Yetunde George Ademiluyi, known as Chef Yeide, marking over 15 years of friendship by 2020; their daughter, Ifafunmike, was born on December 16, 2013. He describes himself as an atheist who prefers Traditional African Religion to foreign religions.
Controversies
In May 2023, Seun faced arrest for allegedly assaulting a police officer on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge, captured in a viral video, prompting court-ordered detention during investigation.
In January 2026, he publicly clashed with Wizkid over comparisons to Fela, including remarks about Wizkid’s wife. He has also participated in protests such as Occupy Nigeria in 2012 and endorsed anti-apartheid initiatives.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Many Things (2008)
- From Africa With Fury: Rise (2011)
- A Long Way to the Beginning (2014)
- Black Times (2018)
- Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) (2024)
EPs and Sessions
- Struggle Sounds (2016)
- Night Dreamer Direct to Disc Sessions (2019)
- African Dreams (2022) with Black Thought
Net Worth
Seun Kuti’s wealth is estimated at $1 million to $5 million, stemming from album sales, live tours, and performances.
Awards and Recognitions
His 2018 album Black Times received a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album. In 2019, Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People for his contributions to music and activism.
