In a recent interview on the ‘Bahd & Boujee’ podcast, Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti ignited a firestorm of debate with his outspoken views on monogamy. Kuti, known for carrying the torch of his father Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s musical legacy, took a swipe at the traditional concept of one-on-one relationships.
Kuti downplayed the viability of monogamy, suggesting it’s an impractical ideal. He positioned polygamy, the practice of having multiple wives, as a more suitable arrangement for men, particularly those he considers “powerful.” In Kuti’s view, polygamy signifies not just wealth, but a form of empowerment for men.
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“From my perspective,” Kuti stated, “monogamy just doesn’t work. As a powerful man, you need to have the backing of numerous powerful goddesses by your side. These are women who enter your life for a reason, placed there by the ancestors themselves.
Kuti’s stance on relationships likely reflects the influence of his late father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela, a legendary figure in Afrobeat music, was notorious for having a vast number of partners, with estimates exceeding 100 concubines. This number much more than the 27 women Fela famously married in a single ceremony.
However, it’s worth noting that Seun Kuti’s personal life seems to contradict his public pronouncements. Currently, he is known to be married to just one woman – his wife Yetunde Kuti. This inconsistency has led some to question the sincerity of his beliefs, while others see it as a potential acknowledgement of the challenges inherent in polygamy.
Kuti’s comments have certainly sparked conversation, dividing opinions on the nature of love, relationships, and cultural norms. Whether his views represent a genuine belief or a provocative attempt to court attention remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Seun Kuti has successfully reignited the debate around monogamy and polygamy, forcing listeners to confront their own perspectives on love and power.
