Afrobeat musician and son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Seun Kuti, has made a striking revelation about the financial benefits of his lineage, disclosing that he recently received a $120,000 (approximately ₦150 million) royalty payment solely for being Fela’s son—nearly 29 years after the icon’s death.
The statement, which has ignited fervent discussion online, appears to be a pointed response to ongoing debates about his relevance and a subtle continuation of his recent public friction with pop star Wizkid and his supporters.
“I just collected 120,000 US dollars based on my papa’s name. Not my work. Just because I am Fela’s child,” Seun declared in a social media post. He added a pointed question to critics: “How many of una father fit send una money from the grave 29 years later?”
The artist framed the payment as a testament to enduring legacy rather than contemporary hustle, emphasizing that true greatness transcends generations. “For him, legacy isn’t about flashy money but about influence that lives on long after death,” a part of his message read.
Context: The Wizkid Feud and the "Legacy" Defense
The boast arrives amidst a lingering public disagreement between Seun Kuti and Wizkid. The conflict erupted recently when Seun criticized the comparison of modern Afrobeats stars to his father’s revolutionary Afrobeat legacy, specifically calling out Wizkid’s fans for equating the singer’s global success with Fela’s cultural and political impact.
Many observers interpret Seun’s latest comment as a tactical rebuttal—highlighting that while contemporary stars may earn from current hits, the Kuti family earns from a timeless, institutional legacy that continues to generate revenue decades later.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The revelation has split public opinion. Supporters applaud Seun for underscoring the unmatched, generational impact of Fela’s work and for defending the cultural weight of his family’s name.
“He’s speaking facts. Legacy is forever. Streaming numbers today don’t equal influence that pays your children in 30 years,” one user commented.
Critics, however, argue that the comment undermines Seun’s own artistic career, suggesting an over-reliance on his father’s shadow rather than his own merits. Others viewed it as an elitist jab at artists from less iconic backgrounds.
“This is why he’s always angry. He wants to be respected for his own work but always falls back on ‘my father’ when challenged,” another user responded.
The episode underscores a recurring tension in African entertainment between the celebration of self-made success and the reverence for inherited cultural dynasty. For Seun Kuti, the $120,000 royalty is not just a payment—it’s proof that in the battle between trending fame and enduring legacy, the latter can still yield substantial returns, even from beyond the grave.
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