Nigerian musician Made Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti and grandson of Fela Kuti, took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the Nigerian entertainment industry and journalists for overlooking his father’s remarkable achievements while being quick to amplify negative stories. In a viral post that garnered over 18,000 likes and 3,500 reposts, Made highlighted Femi Kuti’s recent completion of a grueling 24-show tour across Canada and the United States in just one month, all at the age of 63. He described Femi as a “multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer and songwriter” who demonstrated exceptional stamina and artistry, yet received minimal media coverage for this feat.
Made’s frustration centered on the disparity in media attention: positive milestones like this tour go unnoticed, but rumors or negative events involving the Kuti family spread rapidly without any prompting or payment. He clarified in a follow-up post that his critique targeted “entertainment journalists” specifically, not the general public, emphasizing that such stories could inspire younger generations about longevity in music careers. Made argued that few musicians over 60 maintain such rigorous international touring schedules, making it newsworthy.
Femi Kuti, a four-time Grammy nominee and Afrobeat pioneer, concluded his North American tour in August 2025, performing 24 shows in cities across Canada and the US. The tour showcased his enduring energy, with Made praising it as “legendary” and a testament to Femi’s impact on the genre. Despite the accomplishment, Made noted the lack of mainstream recognition from Nigerian blogs and media outlets, which he described as a “snub.” This tour followed other recent challenges for the Kuti band, including an incident where three members reportedly disappeared after arriving in the US for a prior engagement in July 2025, which did receive some media attention.
The post ignited broader conversations about ageism, media priorities, and the challenges of sustaining legacies in Afrobeat. Supporters praised Femi’s resilience, with one user calling it “incredible stamina and artistry.” Media outlets like FAPs Music Journal and NBG Africa amplified the story post-Made’s call-out, sharing visuals and celebrating the tour. A YouTube video titled “Femi Kuti Shuts Down U.S. & Canada with 24 Shows in 1 Month” further highlighted the achievement, framing it as a win for Afrobeat royalty.
