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Afrobeat musician Made Kuti has dismissed the long-standing perception that members of the Kuti family are involved in drug use, insisting that the belief is inaccurate and does not reflect the reality of his family.
The singer addressed the issue while speaking with TheCable Lifestyle during the United States Mission’s 250th Independence Day celebration held in Lagos, where he discussed public misconceptions, his personal values, music and issues affecting Nigeria.
According to Made Kuti, one of the assumptions he encounters most frequently is that he smokes because of his famous family background. He explained that the stereotype has followed the Kuti family for years despite not being true for most of its members.
The Afrobeat star said many people are surprised to learn that he does not smoke at all and revealed that his father has also given up the habit.
“A lot of people think I smoke, but I don’t, and even my dad has quit. So, there is a big misconception that the family are all into narcotics, but most of us are not,” he said.
His comments sought to separate public perception from reality, stressing that assumptions based on family history or reputation often fail to reflect individual choices.
The Kuti family has remained one of Nigeria’s most recognised musical dynasties, producing generations of artistes who have continued the Afrobeat legacy established by the late Fela Kuti.
Despite the family’s influence on music and social activism, Made suggested that stereotypes linked to their surname have persisted over the years.
During the interview, the singer was also asked to describe himself using just three words.
Without hesitation, he chose hardworking, loyal and passionate, saying the three qualities best represent his personality.
He particularly joked about his decision to describe himself as loyal, smiling as he reminded listeners that he is a married man.
“I’m a married man,” he said with a laugh.
The conversation later shifted to music, with Made revealing the Nigerian artiste he currently enjoys listening to the most.
Rather than naming one of today’s chart-topping stars, the singer pointed to his grandfather, Fela Kuti, whose music continues to inspire him both personally and professionally.
Fela remains widely celebrated as the pioneer of Afrobeat, a genre that blends traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk and socially conscious lyrics.
As a member of the Kuti family, Made has continued to preserve that musical heritage while developing his own identity as a performer and songwriter.
Beyond entertainment, the musician used the opportunity to draw attention to an issue he believes deserves far greater public discussion—climate change.
He argued that although Nigerians regularly debate economic hardship and cultural challenges, environmental issues often receive far less attention despite their growing impact.
According to him, climate change should be regarded as one of the country’s most pressing concerns because of its long-term consequences for future generations.
“I think honestly we are very aware of the cultural issues we are facing and the economic issues we are facing, but something very important I will say is climate change,” he warned.
Made’s remarks reflect an increasing willingness among younger Nigerian entertainers to speak on broader social and environmental issues beyond music.
The interview took place during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, hosted at the residence of the U.S. Consul General in Lagos.
The event attracted a wide range of distinguished guests, including government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the business community and other prominent figures from different sectors.
During the celebration, representatives of the U.S. Mission reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the areas of trade, security, investment and cultural exchange.
For Made Kuti, however, the occasion also became an opportunity to challenge public misconceptions about his family while encouraging conversations about issues that extend beyond music, reminding Nigerians that environmental sustainability deserves the same level of attention as the country’s economic and social challenges.
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