Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti recently shed light on the remarkable decision his late father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, made to marry 27 women in one day.
This event, which took place in 1978, remains one of the most iconic and controversial moments in the history of Afrobeats and Nigerian culture.
During a Skype interview on the ‘Fresh Off The Boat’ podcast, Seun Kuti delved into the reasons behind this unprecedented move by his father.
He explained that Fela’s decision was driven by a need to protect the honor and dignity of the women in his life, who were facing intense scrutiny and negative portrayals by the media.
“My father was under immense media propaganda. He was very scrutinized.
Most of it was directed at the women who were in his life; his female backup singers, and dancers.
They all lived together with my dad but the media started calling them prostitutes,” Seun recounted.
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The media’s relentless attacks painted Fela’s female dancers and band members in a derogatory light, labeling them as “prostitutes” simply because they chose to live and work closely with him.
This negative portrayal not only disrespected these women but also threatened their personal and professional reputations.
In response to this unjust treatment, Fela took a radical step. “So my dad, in order to preserve their honor and dignity, asked them if they would choose to be his brides so nobody would call them names anymore and they all agreed.
That was how the marriage happened,” Seun explained.
By marrying these women, Fela sought to shield them from societal stigma and provide them with a measure of respect and legitimacy that was being denied to them.
This mass wedding was more than a personal act; it was a bold statement against the oppressive societal norms and media narratives of the time.
It highlighted Fela’s commitment to the people close to him and his willingness to challenge societal expectations.
Moreover, Seun Kuti revealed that the legacy of his father continues to be celebrated and examined.
A biopic about Fela’s life is currently in the works, promising to offer deeper insights into the man behind the music and his revolutionary acts.
This film aims to capture not only Fela’s musical genius but also his defiance against political and social injustices, further cementing his status as a cultural icon.
