The family of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has turned down multiple offers to sell his music catalogue, choosing instead to retain control in a bid to safeguard his enduring legacy.
Speaking during a recent interview on Channels Television, Grammy-nominated Afrobeat star Femi Kuti revealed that the decision was driven by a shared commitment among family members to protect the cultural and historical significance of Fela’s body of work.
According to him, the catalogue remains under the control of Fela’s estate, managed by the family, although parts of the music have been licensed to a foreign company for a limited period.
“We never sold Fela’s catalogue. It is under Fela’s estate controlled by the family. But we licensed the music,” he explained, noting that the arrangement ensures continued oversight and future flexibility once the licensing term expires.
Femi also highlighted the pivotal role played by his elder sister, Yeni Kuti, in influencing the decision. Describing her as the “caretaker” of their father’s legacy, he said she strongly opposed any move to sell the catalogue outright.
He added that while all family members have a voice in such matters, Yeni’s position as the eldest commands respect, and her protective stance resonated with the rest of the family. “If we had sold it, no royalty would be coming to the family,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the Afrobeat musician expressed hope that future generations of the Kuti family would uphold the same principles, ensuring that Fela’s legacy remains intact for years to come.