Femi Kuti Confirms Fela’s Music Catalogue Is Still Under Family Control

According to Ireporter Online, Nigerian musician Femi Kuti has confirmed that the music catalogue of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti remains fully owned and managed by the family.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Entertainment Tonight, Femi Kuti, who is Fela’s eldest son and a Grammy-nominated artist, explained that while the family licenses the music for limited periods, full ownership is still retained under Fela’s estate.

He clarified that the estate is under the direct control of the family, noting that no part of the catalogue has been sold. According to him, the arrangement allows the family to maintain authority over how Fela’s music is used and distributed.

Femi further revealed that the decision to keep the catalogue within the family was strongly supported by his elder sister, whom he described as the primary custodian of Fela’s legacy. He said she was firmly against any move to sell the rights, insisting on preserving the estate for long-term family control.

He added that the family believes retaining ownership ensures both the dignity of Fela’s legacy and continued benefits for future generations who will oversee and honour his work.