Seun Kuti, a prominent Nigerian musician, has provided an explanation for why his father, Fela Kuti, married 27 women in a single day. In 1978, Fela, a renowned Nigerian artist, caused a sensation when he wedded 27 women at once. The rationale behind this act remained a mystery for many years. Seun Kuti, during an appearance on the ‘Fresh Off The Boat’ podcast via Skype, revealed that his father’s decision was an effort to uphold the dignity of the women who collaborated with him and were unfairly labeled as ‘prostitutes.’ He clarified tha
His words …
“My father was under immense media propaganda. He was very scrutinised. And most of it were directed to the women that were in his life; his female back-up singers, dancers. They all lived together with my dad but the media started calling them prostitutes.
“So my dad, in order to preserve their honour and dignity, asked them if they would choose to be his brides so nobody would call them names anymore and they all agreed. That was how the marriage happened.”