Nigerian Afrobeat star Made Kuti has opened up about his personal growth, marriage, and the challenges of mastering his craft as a musician.
In a candid interview with Saturday Punch, the grandson of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti admitted that he has some regrets about how he approached learning instruments early in his career.
“I wish I had practised more when I was younger. I regret jumping from instrument to instrument, instead of learning them one after the other,” Made confessed.
The talented multi-instrumentalist, who continues to carry the Kuti musical legacy, explained that mastering one instrument at a time would have allowed him to build a stronger foundation before expanding his skills.
Speaking about his marriage, Made revealed that marrying someone from a different tribe has never been an issue in his relationship. According to him, his family’s diverse background and shared values with his wife made ethnicity irrelevant.
“My family is already very mixed, and when I met my wife, it wasn’t about ethnicity; it was about values. Only during the last general elections did I notice ethnic tension, but I ignored it. I’d make the same choice a hundred times over,” he said.
Made also shed light on the daily struggles of being a musician, particularly the discipline required to maintain mastery of the trumpet.
“Trying to master your craft is incredibly hard. Some days are good; others are really bad. Instruments like the trumpet are deceptively difficult. It looks innocent, but it’s more demanding than the saxophone because it relies on mouth muscles that weaken quickly. If you skip practice for just three days, your sound suffers,” he explained.
The musician’s reflections highlight his deep commitment to growth — both personally and artistically — as he continues to uphold the rich Afrobeat legacy of the Kuti family while carving his own path in the industry.
