Why We Refused To Sell Fela’s Music Catalogue — Femi Kuti Opens Up

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Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti has revealed why his family chose not to sell the music catalogue of their legendary father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, despite receiving several lucrative offers over the years.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Femi explained that the decision was driven by a desire to protect Fela’s legacy rather than pursue immediate financial gain. According to him, the family carefully considered the long-term implications of selling the catalogue and ultimately decided it was not in their best interest.

“We never sold Fela’s catalogue. It is under Fela’s estate controlled by the family. But we licensed the music,” he said.

“So, we control it. I don’t know how many years we have left but when it is done, we will take it over and licensed it again.”

Rather than relinquish ownership, the family opted for a licensing model that allows them to retain control while still generating income. This arrangement ensures that the rights to Fela’s music remain within the family, while also providing a structured way to distribute and monetise his work globally.

Femi noted that selling the catalogue outright would have meant losing long-term control and future earnings, a trade-off the family was unwilling to make. By choosing licensing instead, they have been able to strike a balance between preserving artistic ownership and maintaining financial sustainability.

A key figure in this decision, according to Femi, was his elder sister, Yeni Kuti, who strongly opposed any move to sell the catalogue. He described her as the guardian of their father’s legacy and credited her for standing firm during discussions.

“My elder sister, Yeni Kuti, strongly opposed selling Fela’s catalogue. She is like the caretaker. And we give her the honour as the eldest among us,” he said.

“But she is very protective of Fela’s legacy so she insisted we don’t sell it. I saw her view immediately and we all agreed. If we had sold it, no royalty would be coming to the family.”

Femi’s comments highlight the importance of legacy preservation, especially when it comes to globally influential artists like Fela, whose music continues to resonate across generations. Beyond entertainment, Fela’s work is deeply tied to activism, cultural identity, and political consciousness, making ownership of his catalogue particularly significant.

By keeping control within the family, the Kutis are able to ensure that Fela’s music is used in ways that align with his values and message. This includes decisions about licensing, distribution, and how the music is presented to new audiences.

Femi also expressed confidence that future generations of the family will continue to uphold this responsibility. He suggested that maintaining control over the catalogue is not just a business decision but a cultural duty that must be preserved over time.

The decision comes at a time when many global artists and estates are selling music catalogues for massive sums, often transferring full ownership to corporations or investment firms. While such deals can provide immediate financial benefits, they also raise concerns about artistic control and legacy management.

For the Kuti family, however, the priority remains clear—ensuring that Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s music, message, and influence remain intact for generations to come.

Through their approach, they have demonstrated that legacy, when carefully managed, can be both preserved and sustained without sacrificing ownership.

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