Fela was great and him alone could satisfy me – Widow

The late Afro Beat legend and human rights activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been described as a generous man.

Mrs. Laide Anikulapo-Kuti, a widow of the late music star, disclosed this to Channels television in an interview wherein she recounted her experience living with him and 26 other women.

She was a dancer in Fela’s band during the time of their relationship.

She said he liked to lead and take charge of activities back then.


She added that he lived a life of simplicity, and did not discriminate against anyone whether rich or poor.

She said: “He was a very great man, loved being with people, loved taking charge of people.

“In Fela’s house, there was no rich or poor man. He would put his bag of money in the midst of everybody and share it between everyone.

Mrs. Laide also touched on the pleasant experience she had living with him, adding that he was such a pleasant she could not imagine being with another man.

She said: “I was with Fela for seven years before that and I’ve seen the difference and I could see that there was nobody that I can go through that with satisfy me like him, so when he decided to marry us, I was one of the happiest.”

Describing his style of music, she said he used his talent to convey messages to his listeners regardless of age and class.

She also weighed in on the current anti-graft war in the country, saying Fela would have been proud to play an active role in a movement like that.

She said: “Fela’s music is a message and the children who were not born when he sang can still listen to those songs and get the message.

“Fela would be happy seeing the kind of work the new government is taking up now; as the new government is taking it up today, that was what Fela wanted.

“He wanted enjoyment for everyone.”