Afrobeat singer Made Kuti has addressed the long-standing public perception that members of the legendary Kuti family are associated with narcotics, insisting that the assumption is both inaccurate and unfair.
Speaking during an interview with TheCable on the sidelines of the United States Mission’s 250th Independence Day celebration held in Lagos, the musician said he has often encountered people who automatically assume he uses drugs simply because he belongs to the famous Kuti family.
According to Made, the stereotype does not reflect the reality of his family, stressing that the majority of the Kutis do not use narcotics.
“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.
The singer explained that while the Kuti family has long been known for its outspoken activism, revolutionary music, and unconventional lifestyle, it is wrong to generalize every family member based on public perceptions or the actions of a few individuals.
During the interview, Made was also asked to describe his personality in three words. He responded by describing himself as “hardworking, loyal and passionate.” He added a humorous remark while explaining his choice of the word “loyal,” saying it suits him because he is a married man.
When asked about the Nigerian artiste he currently enjoys listening to the most, Made surprised many by naming his grandfather, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, highlighting his continued admiration for the legendary musician whose music remains a major influence on his life and career.
Made Kuti’s comments offer a glimpse into the challenges of carrying the Kuti family name, while also seeking to separate his personal identity from the assumptions and stereotypes often associated with one of Nigeria’s most influential musical dynasties
