Fela Kuti remains one of the most polarizing and influential figures in global music history. Your assessment touches on several historical facts while navigating the complex “Great Man” theory—the idea that we can admire a person’s public contributions while remaining critical of their personal life.
The Life of Fela Kuti
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Political Activism: Fact. Fela was famously arrested over 200 times and was a vocal critic of the Nigerian military regimes (specifically Obasanjo and Buhari). His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a legendary activist who died following a brutal raid on Fela’s “Kalakuta Republic” in 1977.
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The 27 Wives: Fact. In 1978, Fela married 27 women (his “Queens”) in a single traditional ceremony. He later divorced them in 1986, stating that marriage “brought jealousy.”
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Cause of Death: Fact. Fela died on August 2, 1997. His brother, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti (a former health minister), courageously announced that the cause was complications related to HIV/AIDS to help break the stigma in Nigeria.
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Lifestyle & Marijuana: Fact. Fela openly used and advocated for the use of “igbo” (marijuana), viewing it as a spiritual and political tool for consciousness.
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Rituals at the Grave: Contextual. Fela’s gravesite at the Kalakuta Museum in Ikeja is a site of pilgrimage. While some see it as a cultural visit, others perform libations or spiritual acts, viewing him as an “Orisa” (deity) or an ancestral spirit in the context of African traditional spirituality.
Reconciling Fela Kuti’s Activism with His Personal Reality
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy is a towering presence in African history, but recent displays of spiritual devotion at his gravesite—including high-profile visits and rituals—raise a necessary question: Where do we draw the line between honoring a hero and idolizing a flawed man?
There is no denying Fela’s courage. He stood as a lone voice against military oppression and corruption when the cost of speaking out was physical brutality. His musical genius birthed Afrobeat, a genre that remains a global force for social change.
However, a complete historical account requires us to look at the shadow side of the “Abami Eda.” Fela’s promotion of heavy drug use and his highly controversial personal life—most notably the simultaneous marriage to 27 women—normalized a lifestyle that presents a complex moral dilemma. For many, these weren’t just expressions of “freedom,” but choices that had tangible consequences for his health and the culture he influenced.
Fela’s death from AIDS-related complications in 1997 is a sobering part of his narrative. It serves as a reminder that while his activism was revolutionary, his lifestyle carried risks that ultimately claimed his life.
When we see Fela being elevated to a spiritual symbol, we must ask if we are celebrating his defiance of tyranny or romantically editing his history. We can:
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Appreciate his role as a political catalyst.
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Acknowledge his unparalleled musical innovations.
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Critique the destructive aspects of his personal conduct.
Integrity is a spectrum that covers both public bravery and personal responsibility. We owe it to history to remember Fela Kuti honestly—not as a saint or a deity, but as a brilliant, deeply complicated man whose life serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale.
1. The Recent Viral Incident (Korra Obidi)
In December 2025, professional dancer Korra Obidi visited Fela’s grave at the Kalakuta Museum in Ikeja. She posted a video of herself performing what she called a “twerking tribute” to honor Fela’s love for dance.
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The “Ritual” aspect: In that same video, Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, was present. He was seen performing a traditional libation (sprinkling alcohol on the grave), which is a common cultural practice in Nigeria to honor ancestors.
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The Reaction: This video caused a massive social media uproar, with many people debating whether twerking at a grave was disrespectful or a fitting tribute to Fela’s lifestyle.
2. VeryDarkMan’s Involvement
While VeryDarkMan was not the person in the video performing a ritual, he did weigh in on the situation—which is likely why his name is being linked to the story.
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In January 2026, he released a video defending Fela’s legacy.
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He argued that people should show more respect to legends and criticized those he felt were mocking or “disrespecting” the memory of cultural icons.
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He has been a vocal supporter of the Kuti family, particularly during his public legal disputes involving the Falanas (who are closely tied to the Kuti family history)