Maverick singer Seun Kuti has stirred controversy after making fresh claims about the private life of his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, particularly regarding his relationships and health.
Speaking during a recent Instagram livestream, Seun Kuti alleged that the legendary Afrobeat pioneer did not restrict his wives from having relationships with other men, a decision he described as one of Fela’s greatest mistakes.
According to him, this arrangement may have contributed to the late singer contracting HIV, contrary to widespread speculation that Fela infected his partners. Seun claimed instead that his father was a victim, alleging that some of the women contracted the virus from other partners and brought it into his household.
In his words, Fela believed in mutual freedom within relationships, allowing his wives the same liberties he exercised, provided they did not bring other men into his home.
Seun also addressed criticisms of his father’s legacy, noting that while Fela was not without flaws, he remained a significant figure who stood for humanity and social justice.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, widely regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, made global headlines in 1978 when he married 27 women in a single traditional ceremony in Lagos, a move that cemented his reputation for unconventional lifestyle choices.
While Seun’s remarks have reignited public debate, there is no independent confirmation of the claims regarding how the late music icon contracted HIV.
