Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti made a lot of money in his lifetime, but according to his grandson, Made Kuti, he passed away with almost nothing.
Speaking on the Tea With Tay podcast, Made said Fela’s generosity knew no bounds—he’d come home from shows with a box full of cash and let anyone who needed money take from it. His home, Kalakuta Republic, had an open-door policy, and even strangers from the street could walk in.
Fela didn’t believe in special treatment, not even for his kids—they weren’t allowed to call him “dad” to keep things equal. Despite his huge impact, Made added that Fela was more appreciated abroad than at home during his lifetime.
Fela Kuti died on August 2, 1997, at the age of 58.