Yeni Kuti, first child of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has led her siblings in tribute to their father on the 26th memorial of his death.
The 62-year-old dancer, singer and broadcaster posted her tribute on social media on Wednesday.
Sharing a carousel of pictures showing Fela, his num Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, brother Prof Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and others, Yeni Kuti wrote “The many faces of Fela! August 2nd 1997. We shall never forget. Fela as a young man, Fela as a guy wearing earrings, with JK his best friend, with Uncle Koye.”
Her brother Kunle Kuti shared a video of their father speaking against corruption.
He captioned his post “it’s 26 years today you left to join your ancestors. We miss you so much. We are still suffering and smiling in this country of pain. Continue to rest in peace.
“Africa must unite. Blackism a Force of the mind.”
Kunle’s sister Shalewa Kuti shared a video of Fela displaying injuries inflicted on him by the police.
The DJ and music producer captioned her post “August 2nd 1997…. You will forever be missed! Thanks for being such a great inspiration to me and to all… Love you forever.”
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Shalewa’s sister Motunrayo Kuti shared a post by Nigerian Codex with the message “Today in 1997, Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti died. Sir your Legend remains victorious in spite of history. Rest on baba!”
She also posted a video of Fela’s lying-in-state at his Ikeja residence, writing “I say make I share this video for you guys because most of una no get any idea about FELAs Lying in State. No Lying in State crowd has come close till today. This crowd followed us from TBS to the house. Drive took us 7hrs or so. IT WAS MAD EPIC.”
Motunrayo’s brother and Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti also joined in paying tributes to their iconic father.
“Eleeeeeeniyaaaaaaaaaaaan!!! October 15 1938- August 2 1997. Yesterday was hard, today is better!!! Love you always,” Seun wrote.
Fela’s first son and Afrobeat superstar Femi Kuti had not posted his tribute as of the time of filing this report.
Fela died of AIDS on August 2, 1997 at the age of 58.
The cause of death was announced at a press conference by his brother Prof Ransome-Kuti who was Nigeria’s minister of health at the time.
Fela’s third child and second daughter Sola Kuti also died in 1997, a few weeks after him.
