Seun Kuti, the renowned Afrobeat musician, has shared a fascinating story from his childhood in a recent interview. The 45-year-old musician revealed how his late mother, Fehintola, once hid cannabis inside a loaf of bread and asked him to deliver it to his father, the iconic Fela Kuti, while he was detained.
Seun Kuti Opens Up About Childhood Experience with Fela Kuti’s Arrest
In the interview, Seun discussed how his father was incarcerated at the Federal Investigation and Intelligence Department (Alagbon Close) in Lagos. At the time, Seun was around eight or nine years old, and he had no idea that the bread he was asked to deliver contained contraband.
He recalled, “We were going to visit my father at Panti, and my mum bought bread to give to him. She hid ‘Igbo’ inside the bread and asked me to hand it over when we got there.” Seun, who was unaware of the contents, simply did as his mother asked, delivering the bread to his father without any suspicion.
The Moment Seun Kuti Discovered What He Was Carrying
On their way back home, Seun’s sister informed him about the hidden cannabis in the bread. “On our way home, my sister asked if I knew there was Igbo in the bread. My mum had told her, but didn’t tell me because she knew I might have said something to the police,” Seun explained.
Seun Kuti’s Experience Visiting His Father in Multiple Detention Facilities
Seun Kuti also shared that visiting his father in detention was a regular part of his childhood. “I’ve been to see my father in many places. I remember visiting him at Ikoyi Prison, Kirikiri Prison, Panti, and Alagbon,” he said. This insight highlights the challenging and rebellious era Fela Kuti lived through, often clashing with the authorities.
Legacy of Fela Kuti and Seun Kuti’s Connection to His Father’s Activism
Fela Kuti, one of the most influential musicians in the world, was known for his bold activism and criticism of Nigeria’s government, which led to his multiple arrests. Seun Kuti, carrying his father’s legacy, continues to influence the world with his Afrobeat music and activism, ensuring that his father’s story and struggles are not forgotten.
