Made Kuti, Afrobeat Singer and Grandson of Fela Kuti, Fires Back at Critics of His Inter-Ethnic Marriage
Nigerian Afrobeat singer Made Kuti has responded to backlash over his marriage to wife Inedoye Onyenso, which has been criticized by some due to their different ethnic backgrounds. Kuti, who is the grandson of legendary musician Fela Kuti, tied the knot with Onyenso at a civil wedding ceremony in Lagos in November 2023.
Their union has been subjected to negative comments from bigots who have accused them of “mixing blood.” However, Kuti remains unfazed by the criticism and has fired back at his detractors. Reacting to a recent post by an X user, @AdemolaOgudu, who called him a “foolish Yoruba man” for marrying an Igbo woman, Kuti stated that “believing ethnic superiority/inferiority is justifiable is slave mentality.”
The singer urged his critics to educate themselves with the “history and knowledge left” by Pan-Africanists like his great-grandmother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, his grandfather Fela Kuti, Kwame Nkrumah, and Thomas Sankara. These individuals, known for their fight against colonialism and racial inequality, have inspired many with their vision of a united Africa.
Kuti emphasized the importance of unity in Africa, explaining that the continent would gain more when its people are united. His response highlights the need to overcome ethnic and tribal divisions that have long plagued the continent.
Made Kuti’s marriage to Inedoye Onyenso has sparked a conversation about the ongoing struggle for unity and understanding in Africa. The couple’s union serves as a reminder that love knows no ethnic boundaries and that the continent’s diversity is its greatest strength.
In a world where divisions along ethnic and racial lines continue to cause tension and conflict, Made Kuti’s message of unity and love is a timely reminder of the need for greater understanding and acceptance. As Africa continues to navigate its complexities and challenges, the singer’s words offer a beacon of hope for a brighter, more unified future.
