Femi, Yeni Kuti celebrate late mum with memoir release
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s children, Femi and Yeni Kuti, have unveiled a memoir honouring their late mother, Remilekun.
Titled Mrs Kuti, the book delves into her life story, providing insights into her love, struggles, and experiences as the first wife of the Afrobeat legend.
Yeni, Fela’s eldest child, shared the news today, January 6, 2025, on her Instagram page. She posted a video of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka holding the memoir and revealed that the book is now available for preorder.
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In her post, Yeni expressed gratitude, saying, “Femi and I have finally published our mum’s book, thanks to @ouidabooks. It has taken us all these years. She passed on 23 years ago at the young age of 60. I am 63 now, almost 64, so I know how young that was. I hope you enjoy her account of her life with Fela.”
Femi Kuti, a Grammy-nominated musician, had previously mentioned that their mother wrote the book decades ago but never got around to publishing it.
The memoir, which details her turbulent yet loving relationship with Fela, explores themes of fame, personal struggles, and societal issues.
A Look into Remilekun’s Journey
The book’s description paints a vivid picture of Remilekun’s life, beginning with her early years in London and transitioning to her time in Nigeria as Fela’s wife and partner. It recounts her experiences navigating culture shock, marriage, motherhood, and the complexities of life in Nigeria during the 1960s to 1990s.
An excerpt reads: “Without regret or rancor, Remilekun Anikulapo-Kuti invites us into her extraordinary life as a love interest, the wife, and the estranged partner of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the Afrobeat legend.”
Born on July 12, 1941, in London, Remilekun spent her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, before relocating to England for her education at Princess Alice School and Home in Sutton Coldfield. She met the charismatic Fela at a party in 1959, and their love story led to their marriage on January 7, 1961. Together, they had three children: Yeni, Femi, and the late Sola Kuti (1963–1997).
Legacy of a Remarkable Woman
Remilekun passed away on January 12, 2002, at the age of 60. Her memoir, ‘Mrs Kuti’, serves as her first and only published work, capturing her honesty, resilience, and reflections on love, justice, and society.
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