Son of late legendary musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Femi has spoken up following allegations he engages in inappropriate relationships with underage girls.
Last week, Femi Kuti announced that one his band members absconded shortly before the band was to perform in the United States but another band member, Solomon Idowu took to social media with counter accusations claiming the legendary saxophonist does not pay his band members well and sleeps with underage girls.
Responding to the claims, Femi Kuti told Punch Newspaper’s Sunday Scoop that Idowu’s accusations came from a place of hatred.
Femi, who recently hosted France President, Emmanuel Macron in the New Afrika Shrine, said “From his tone, don’t you perceive envy and hatred? He insulted me and abused my family. Shouldn’t you ask why this is coming from him and not female members (of the band)? I think you should ask when he left the band and why. And if you find this out, you should also ask why it took him this long to speak out and why he has not taken court action if what he is saying is true. If he is telling the truth, why haven’t the parents of the said female dancers ever complained after over three decades in this business?”
Femi added that his band, Positive Force was created in 1986 and has never been caught in any form of controversy since then, especially as it concerns paying members. He said, “I have never owed anyone and will never owe. You say I owe you money, then you call my wives prostitutes. Did he pay them money to sleep with them?”
Addressing the band member who absconded, Femi said that singular move nearly ruined his career, he however added, “I’m in the middle of a hectic tour and my focus is to finish it well. We have adjusted and are focused on working together as a band should. Meanwhile, the reception we have got during the tour has been greatly fantastic”.
