Femi Kuti faced strong opposition when he started his band after leaving his father, Fela Kuti, in 1986. His father's fans turned against him because they saw his departure as rebellion. The triple Grammy nominee said his father hurt him further when he publicly criticized his first album. Fela walked on stage during the album launch to tell reporters it was rubbish. Femi recalls people asking how he dared fight against Fela.
Femi explains he never meant to fight with his father. He felt lost without formal education, but wanted to become a great musician. He cried inside, though others thought he was protesting. He decided he would rather die trying than give up. He kept going forward with his music career despite the criticism.
Femi felt especially upset when his father harshly reviewed his work. He never expected such negative comments from his parents. Years later, Femi knew his father approved when Fela sang two of his successful songs at the African Shrine. The songs were No Place For My Dreams and Mind Your Business. Afterward, Fela bragged to the media about his son's musical achievements.
Femi explains he never meant to fight with his father. He felt lost without formal education, but wanted to become a great musician. He cried inside, though others thought he was protesting. He decided he would rather die trying than give up. He kept going forward with his music career despite the criticism.
Femi felt especially upset when his father harshly reviewed his work. He never expected such negative comments from his parents. Years later, Femi knew his father approved when Fela sang two of his successful songs at the African Shrine. The songs were No Place For My Dreams and Mind Your Business. Afterward, Fela bragged to the media about his son's musical achievements.
