Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: Yeni Kuti leads tributes by children on 26th memorial

Yeni Kuti, first child of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has led her siblings in tributes 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.

August 2nd 1997! 26 years ago Fela passed on to the great beyond. I use this medium to celebrate his life his music and our love for him. Abami Ed lives pic.twitter.com/M9uG9VnQzJ

— Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti (@YeniAKuti) August 2, 2023

Sharing a carousel of pictures showing Fela, his mum 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.”

97’ I shall never forget!
97’ the pain the sorrow the stress The young and the old the rich the strong the weak and the poor Together we waka to carry Fela o!!! ⁦@Femiakuti⁩ We shall never forget pic.twitter.com/mEweHhG1Mc

— Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti (@YeniAKuti) August 2, 2023

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!”

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.