Afrobeat musician, Made Kuti, has opened up about how his upbringing at the iconic New Afrika Shrine shaped his personality, music, and outlook on life. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Childhood at the Shrine
The grandson of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti recalled that some of his happiest memories were built around the cultural and musical activities at the Shrine, which his father, Femi Kuti, and aunt, Yeni Kuti, established in 2000.

“I was a troublemaker—jumping on tables, riding bicycles and skateboards. All my childhood memories of the shrine are happy ones,” Made shared.

He noted that his passion for music developed organically as he transitioned from one instrument to another under the guidance of his father’s band. Today, he effortlessly plays the trumpet, saxophone, piano, guitar, and drums.

Carrying the Kuti Legacy
Made acknowledged that being a member of the Kuti family comes with both honor and responsibility.

“I know that whatever I do creatively will always be attributed to the family, and I’m okay with that. But sometimes, I wish people could take my music as art in itself, beyond the lineage,” he explained.

The singer credited his father, Femi Kuti, for instilling discipline and hard work, while also appreciating his wife for making the balance between family and career smoother.

Focus on Music and Growth
Discussing his latest project, Chapter One: Where Does Happiness Come From?, Made revealed that the album is centered on self-responsibility and personal growth. Unlike his grandfather and father, who often centered their music on political activism, Made explained that his focus is on individual accountability and cultural transformation.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to his family and fans, emphasizing that discipline, freedom, and authenticity will always define his artistic journey.