Afrobeat star, Made Kuti, has shared how life at the iconic New Afrika Shrine shaped him as a person and as a musician.
Childhood memories at the shrine
The grandson of Fela Kuti revealed that some of his happiest childhood memories came from growing up around music and activism at the Shrine, which his father, Femi Kuti, and aunt, Yeni, built in 2000.
“I was a troublemaker. Jumping on tables, riding bicycles and skateboards. All my childhood memories of the shrine are happy ones,” he said.
He explained that his love for music developed naturally as he moved from one instrument to another under the guidance of his father’s band. Today, he plays trumpet, saxophone, piano, guitar and drums with ease.
Family, legacy and music
Made described being a Kuti as both a blessing and a responsibility. “I know that whatever I do creatively will always be attributed to the family, and I’m okay with that. But sometimes, I wish people could take my music as art in itself, beyond the lineage,” he said.
The singer also credited his father, Femi Kuti, for teaching him discipline and hard work, adding that his wife has made balancing marriage and career easy.
On his latest project, “Chapter One: Where Does Happiness Come From?”, Made explained that the album focuses on self-responsibility and personal growth.
While his grandfather and father were known for heavy political activism in music, Made says his approach is different: “My focus is on individual accountability and cultural change.”
The singer rounded off by appreciating his fans and family, saying discipline, freedom and authenticity will always define his journey.