Femi Kuti Opens Up on Legacy, Growth and the Drive Behind Journey Through Life

Inside Femi Kuti’s Restless Mind
For over four decades, Femi Kuti has remained a powerful voice at the intersection of music and activism, using Afrobeat not just as a sound, but as a tool for truth and resistance. His music has consistently gone beyond entertainment, confronting authority, capturing public frustration, and raising tough questions about society.

Now, with time and experience shaping his perspective, Kuti’s voice carries not only defiance but reflection. While the passion that defined his earlier years remains, it is now paired with deeper introspection. This evolution is at the heart of his latest album, Journey Through Life, which he is currently touring across the United Kingdom.

Speaking with Guardian Life during his tour through cities including London, Manchester, and Glasgow, Kuti opened up about his journey, touching on music, politics, personal growth, and the values that have guided him through decades of challenges.

At this stage of his career, Kuti says performing still feels like an honour. Despite the years, his connection with audiences remains strong, something he does not take for granted. For him, the stage is not just a platform for music, but an opportunity to inspire.

The album title, Journey Through Life, reflects his personal philosophy, one rooted in humility, growth, and self-awareness. According to Kuti, the project is as much about values as it is about sound, offering listeners a glimpse into the principles that shape his life.

One track that stands out for him is Work on Myself, a deeply reflective piece inspired by global and personal realities. Kuti notes that while many continue to fight political and social battles, there is also a need for individual accountability. He believes that real change begins with self-improvement, urging people to become better individuals, parents, and professionals.

He also criticises a common pattern where individuals who once condemned bad leadership end up performing worse when given power. For Kuti, this highlights a deeper societal issue, people often fail to live by the standards they preach.

Despite his demanding schedule, including performing 24 shows in a single month during a North American tour, Kuti attributes his stamina to discipline and passion. He believes that loving what you do makes the passage of time almost unnoticeable and keeps one committed beyond financial motivation.

This same philosophy extends to his views on fatherhood. Kuti describes being a father as a responsibility he embraces fully, stressing that raising children requires dedication and genuine care.

On the political front, Kuti remains outspoken. He argues that many of Nigeria’s current problems have persisted for decades, despite repeated promises from leaders. He questions the intentions of both past and present politicians, pointing out that many who now position themselves as alternatives have previously held power without delivering meaningful change.

He also expresses concern about Nigeria’s healthcare system, criticising leaders who seek medical treatment abroad instead of investing in local institutions. According to him, the country’s decline in critical sectors like health and education is a result of poor leadership and misplaced priorities.

Reflecting on his family’s legacy, Kuti acknowledged the significance of his father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award was widely celebrated. He also spoke proudly of his son, Made Kuti, describing him as responsible, talented, and a source of pride for the family.

Despite the weight of legacy and years of experience, Kuti does not see himself as someone who has “arrived.” Instead, he views life as a continuous process of growth. He maintains a rigorous routine, practising for hours daily, driven by a belief that there is always room for improvement.

Looking back, he admits to past mistakes but chooses not to dwell on them. Rather than regret, he focuses on learning and moving forward. Experiences of betrayal, he says, have also shaped his resilience, teaching him to remain grounded and committed to his values.

Even in difficult moments, such as when members of his band abandoned him during a tour, Kuti persisted, completing his performances with the help of new musicians. For him, such challenges are part of the journey, reinforcing his belief in perseverance and integrity.

Ultimately, Femi Kuti’s story is not just about music or legacy, but about constant evolution. Even after decades in the spotlight, he continues to strive for better, both as an artist and as a person, driven by a restless mind that refuses to settle.