Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti, born June 16, 1962, better known as Femi Kuti, is a popular Nigerian musician and activist who is known for his work in the Afrobeat genre. He is the eldest son of the late Nigerian musician and pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti.
Femi Kuti Bio
Full Name: | Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti |
Date of Birth: | June 16, 1962 |
Place of Birth: | London |
State of Origin: | Lagos State |
Nationality: | Nigerian |
Net Worth: | $5 million |
Wife/Spouse: | Funke Kuti |
Early Life and Education
Femi Kuti was born on June 16, 1962, in London, England. His father, Fela Kuti, was a renowned musician, and his mother, Remi Taylor, was a civil rights activist.
Femi grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and was exposed to music from a young age. He began playing the trumpet and the saxophone in his father’s band, Egypt 80, when he was just 16 years old.
Femi studied music at the Trinity College of Music in London and later returned to Nigeria to continue his music career.
Career
Femi Kuti began his music career playing in his father’s band, Egypt 80. After his father’s death in 1997, Femi took over the band and continued to perform and record music in the Afrobeat genre.
He has released several albums, including “No Cause for Alarm?” (1989), “Wonder Wonder” (1994), and “Fight to Win” (2001).
Femi has collaborated with many international musicians, including Mos Def, Common, and Ginger Baker.
He has also performed at numerous music festivals around the world, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, Glastonbury Festival, and Coachella.
Aside from music, Femi is also a social and political activist. He has been involved in various causes, including advocating for democracy and human rights in Nigeria. He also established The Shrine, a nightclub in Lagos that serves as a hub for music and activism.
Femi Kuti Net Worth
Femi Kuti’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, making him one of the wealthiest musicians in Nigeria.
Awards
Femi Kuti has won numerous awards and accolades for his work in the music industry, including:
- Grammy Award for Best World Music Album (2010, 2012)
- MOBO Award for Best African Act (1998)
- Kora Awards for Best African Male Artist and Best African Album (2001)
Personal Life
Femi Kuti is married to Funke Kuti, and the couple has one child together. He is also a father to five other children from previous relationships.
Femi Kuti is an accomplished musician and activist who has made a significant impact in the Nigerian and global music scenes.
He has continued his father’s legacy by performing and recording music in the Afrobeat genre and advocating for social and political causes.