Afrobeat musician and saxophonist Made Kuti has explained the personal reasons behind his decision to stay off social media, revealing that it is a conscious choice aimed at maintaining focus rather than avoiding public attention.
The singer made the disclosure during the 13th edition of the Ake Arts and Books Festival, which was recently held at Bon Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
He spoke during a panel session alongside his father, Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti. The discussion centred on Mrs Kuti, a memoir written by Remilekun Kuti, with award-winning poet Dami Ajayi serving as the moderator.
While reflecting on growing up in a well-known family, Made said he learned early how to manage the pressures that come with fame, noting that his experiences mirrored some of what his father went through as a child.
“But back to what he (Femi) said as well, about growing up as a child in a famous family. So I had similar experiences as he did, but I learnt to sort of manage those experiences at a very young age,” he said.
Explaining his decision to remove social media from his phone, Made stressed that it was not about shunning the spotlight, but about avoiding the constant need for validation.
“So, for example, at this moment, I don’t have social media on my phone because I prefer to stay away from not so much the limelight, but more so the desire to always be the subject of attention. So, I really believe that what I should do as a musician is practice my music as best as I can and deliver music to the best of my abilities. And that is what should define me,” he added.
The musician also spoke about the contrast between his upbringing and that of his father. According to him, while Femi Kuti grew up in a household driven by national ideals, his own childhood was rooted in strong family values.
“This kind of thinking, my philosophy in life, the fact that I can say I love one woman and want to stay with her for the rest of my life. That’s not him (Femi). So it’s a totally different life. I grew up in a home where family was priority. My father grew up in a home where the country was priority. So it’s a totally different, polar opposite upbringing. I did grow up in the shrine as well but with a lot of mediation by him,” Made stated.
He further credited his father for providing a balanced and supportive environment for him and his siblings, describing their upbringing as stable and fulfilling.
“Myself and my siblings have had a great upbringing, that I truly have nothing to complain about, from love, teachings about life, my academics, my passion, what I want to pursue, myself, so much so that I am quite a stable person,” he stated.
