You are so right FEMI they have no clue what your father really stand for and im so glad that you put that reporter in his place. i was there in LAGOS and i was at the shrine and your father's message will live forever in his great music.
Yes, Femi reacted strongly, but let's look at the context: he just watched a musical about his father's life that brought back loads of past trauma. For spectators, it was a great story, but for him - the one who had to live through his father's arrests, beatings, disappearances, who as a child, had to watch his home burned, his relatives killed - asking that question would feel like salt in his wounds. The story may look glamorous to us, but i'm sure it was hard to live through.
I am not normally impressed with Femi in the way he does interviews considering the fact that I have known his dad Fela, who regularly came to my Uni UNIFE, to lecture us and for concerts. But here, Femi was very impressive in the way he answered that question. I agree with him totally when he said the journalist was asking a question like a Nigerian. The truth is that Nigerian Journalists do sometimes ask questions as if they have no intelligence when compared to BBC, CNN etc journalists!
Putting music aside Femi Kuti is a loving man, he respects others and he keeps it real. The reporter may not have been out of order but i feel there was no need for the question about Femi not taking risks like his father. That question is so stupid and Femi was well within his right to act the way he did. I will always love Femi, not just for his music but as a person he is simply brilliant.
He's getting a taste of what many people in America deal with when dealing with reporters who don't know what they're talking about. Don't care to understand the reprocussion's of what some people from other countries might be going through when speaking on issues that are sensitive to them. Even if, not to us. Our culture and environment are different. Although, I have to give it to the reporter for catching him on that point about his father at 3:08, very smooth.
Lol, as someone who is Nigerian and grew up in the U.S, anyone who knows Nigerians knows how they react to passive aggression, that was a passive aggressive question, and the guy asking the question was Nigerian too, so he knows what he was doing. In America, passive aggression mixed with Political Correctness has made disrespect in public discourse so annoying, that you really only get to hear how people really feel online in comment sections and blogs. If the guy wanted to ask the question, he could have simply asked "Why don't you think you are not harassed by the government the same way your father was?"
My opinion, i think Femi Kuti had every right to be upset, the question of him not taking any risk is completely absurd. The fact is Femi Kuti has talked about all the corruptions, Aids affecting Nigerian and Africa as a a whole. To say he's not taking risks is completely wrong, he's doing things his own way. if anyone to listen to his albm or watch his shows on youtube you;ll that he's definitely taking risks, talking about all our setbacks as a nation & a continent.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the question the reporter asked. I think Femi took it way too personal. The earlier he comes to terms with the fact that his achievements will always be judged through the giant strides of his late father and his will always pale in comparison the better it is going to be for him. I commend the reporter for offering a needless apology.
....Who says? Are you talking as a Nigerian, or as a fool or as a naive statement?...... Femi can make someone look like a SWEGBE!!!!!! #PowertotheKuti's
I do not mean to take side with no body, before any judgement, try to put yourself in the same shoes as the Kuti's family. That was wrong of the reporter, such a question shouldn't have been put in such manna and in a day like that. These Sahara reporters need to undergo more skilled, they're fund of asking question in such a stupid manna. Femi had his full right to act even more than he did.
Oladimeji Olusunmade How time flies! I made this comment 10 years ago when Sowore was then based in NJ and hitting the Tri-state circuit with his SaharaTV. Who would’ve expected him to become a presidential candidate in Nigeria? And then face some of the similar hurdles of detention that Fela endured (albeit without the beatings I think).
Femi is an entertainer, not an activist like his father. He needn't start fights with a reporter who is asking normal reporter questions. If he comes to terms with his role as an entertainer then he won't get his feathers so ruffled when he is being compared to someone who played an ENTIRELY LARGER role.
@bemnaija well, i think Femi can of course express himself better than this in public. Dont forget, he"s on international scene. A journalist can ask any funny and bla bla question. there were no questions that is too much for a musicians.or even a president. In my view, i think he over reacted, And i believe he does this because the reporter was an African man. Simple. And Femi if you are reading this, please need not to be aggressive, just answer the question or ignore it. This is my opinion.
I like Femi, but I don't like the way he responded to the question about him not taking risks like his father. Yes, the notion may be wrong, but being asked was an opportunity for him to address the notion. He went off on the poor guy and took it personally. He shouldn't have. I still like him though.
What did Femi smoke before this interview, why is he over reacting? He sure scared that poor reporter. I can imagine him reacting to a question like that in Nigeria, the crazy pot heads that surround him and his shrine will lynch the reporter. Not cool Mr Femi Kuti. U need to calm down. Im still gonna see the show in April though.
This reporter was out of control - and didn't show any respect - how disgusting. Have some consideration for this man's feelings - after all it was his father !
Another example of the unnecessary aggression which is not uncommon among Africans. The reporter didn't ask provocative questions but Femi shows that his arrogance was without limit.
LOL Femi pls don't be annoyed... BTW did the "reporter" sorry "activist" apologise? Maybe Sahara "activists" just needs to present their questions in a better way :) love u guys though...
Can we be sincerely with ourselves, Femi is not fighting... No fight, I am a Nigerian and I know... If the reporter replied him a big word, Idiot too... What is he feeling like... PLEASE... baba Fela Should be respected, Femi saying to the reporter, you talking like a Nigerian, what does mean... its so wrong.. Grow up man
Femi is a mad dog who gets angry at everything. There are more responsible ways of reacting to questions that hurt. You don't go on abusing or calling somebody a fool. His father was much more polite and well refined when he travelled abroad and accosted black people. You ask anybody, especially Africans abroad, they will tell you Femi is rude, arrogant and irresponsible. He needs to change and respect fellow Africans. After all a full at 50 is a full forever. The reporter deserves an apology.
What a stupid question to ask a person who just saw a tragic and joyful play of his father. I absolutely understand the question, i just wish the fella could have worded it differently. But I do not believe Femi's response was out of context considering the context of the environment and experience.
Hmnnn Folks, i beg to disagree. Femi did not handle the interview as he should have. I was disappointed at his outburst. He went on and on, missing the point. The reporter could be naive,he could be anybody, his views on the person of Sowore are flawed. Sowore can be anywhere in the world and join the struggle. Wole Soyinka Lectures in the United States, why didnt he sit back in UI. Femi is obviously bitter about the produces not bringing the show to his shrine in Naija,no doubt pocket issues!!
The FELA show is a big shame to the name of Fela. I know Femi made a mistake allowing it to proceed. Fela would not have given permission but his children have done so . This is a big compromise and will ultimately have consequences.
this Sahara reporter are so unprofessional. they never do investigative journalism. they are souring on cheap popularity and really shame is not only to the Nigerian government, but shame on Sahara reporter.........shame
@aitan844 I think there is something seun imbibed from a later even more godlike fela that i am sure he would not have reacted if the question were put to him even though he was so young when fela left. to paraphrase him answering a similar question . he said he is not aiming to fill fela's shoes his own shoes are enough for him all said with a laugh. serves sowore right though- Mr by force activist.
You are so right FEMI they have no clue what your father really stand for and im so glad that you put that reporter in his place. i was there in LAGOS and i was at the shrine and your father's message will live forever in his great music.
Yes, Femi reacted strongly, but let's look at the context: he just watched a musical about his father's life that brought back loads of past trauma. For spectators, it was a great story, but for him - the one who had to live through his father's arrests, beatings, disappearances, who as a child, had to watch his home burned, his relatives killed - asking that question would feel like salt in his wounds. The story may look glamorous to us, but i'm sure it was hard to live through.
I am not normally impressed with Femi in the way he does interviews considering the fact that I have known his dad Fela, who regularly came to my Uni UNIFE, to lecture us and for concerts.
But here, Femi was very impressive in the way he answered that question.
I agree with him totally when he said the journalist was asking a question like a Nigerian.
The truth is that Nigerian Journalists do sometimes ask questions as if they have no intelligence when compared to BBC, CNN etc journalists!
FANTASTIC WORDS AND A REAL MESSAGE FEMI.. KEEP UP THE GOOD JOB !! DFX.
Putting music aside Femi Kuti is a loving man, he respects others and he keeps it real. The reporter may not have been out of order but i feel there was no need for the question about Femi not taking risks like his father. That question is so stupid and Femi was well within his right to act the way he did. I will always love Femi, not just for his music but as a person he is simply brilliant.
WELL SAID! So so happy that Fela Kuti kids are carry on the legacy!
Finally someone put this Sahara Reporter guy in his place...Asking silly questions about taking risks while he himself is taking refuge in America.
He's getting a taste of what many people in America deal with when dealing with reporters who don't know what they're talking about. Don't care to understand the reprocussion's of what some people from other countries might be going through when speaking on issues that are sensitive to them. Even if, not to us. Our culture and environment are different. Although, I have to give it to the reporter for catching him on that point about his father at 3:08, very smooth.
Catching him you say?
Lol, as someone who is Nigerian and grew up in the U.S, anyone who knows Nigerians knows how they react to passive aggression, that was a passive aggressive question, and the guy asking the question was Nigerian too, so he knows what he was doing. In America, passive aggression mixed with Political Correctness has made disrespect in public discourse so annoying, that you really only get to hear how people really feel online in comment sections and blogs.
If the guy wanted to ask the question, he could have simply asked "Why don't you think you are not harassed by the government the same way your father was?"
Thank you, Fela for putting this journalist in his place. Be careful how and you ask your questions- that was ignorant and rude.
Lord Almighty...he REALLY IS his fathers son: he's voice is JUST LIKE Fela's lol that's craziness. God Bless Fela!!
femi you speak brother. I love your music I feel blessed to have had my eyes open. you and your dad thankyou!!
Femi is the man. Speaks the truth.
femi u are a tru son of abami eda the greatest. thats all i have to say
My opinion, i think Femi Kuti had every right to be upset, the question of him not taking any risk is completely absurd. The fact is Femi Kuti has talked about all the corruptions, Aids affecting Nigerian and Africa as a a whole. To say he's not taking risks is completely wrong, he's doing things his own way. if anyone to listen to his albm or watch his shows on youtube you;ll that he's definitely taking risks, talking about all our setbacks as a nation & a continent.
I love his passion for the cause! You don’t see that kind of truth-telling that much these days.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the question the reporter asked. I think Femi took it way too personal. The earlier he comes to terms with the fact that his achievements will always be judged through the giant strides of his late father and his will always pale in comparison the better it is going to be for him. I commend the reporter for offering a needless apology.
If Femi can act, he is best to play his father's role in the play
@ChichiMamboTV How is he irrational? could you please explain?
Femi has every reason to be complaining. This is because his father and a lot of his family members had paid dearly with their lives as activists.
fela live on
....Who says? Are you talking as a Nigerian, or as a fool or as a naive statement?......
Femi can make someone look like a SWEGBE!!!!!! #PowertotheKuti's
I do not mean to take side with no body, before any judgement, try to put yourself in the same shoes as the Kuti's family. That was wrong of the reporter, such a question shouldn't have been put in such manna and in a day like that. These Sahara reporters need to undergo more skilled, they're fund of asking question in such a stupid manna. Femi had his full right to act even more than he did.
I wonder how Femi feels about Royal Dutch Shell, Cheveron and Citi Bank in Nigeria..
@taggyQ He didn't overreact. It's very much because the reporter is Nigerian that he took great offense to the statement.
That's Soworẹ́ playing the Devils advocate, funnily he got his own those of government brutality years after this interview.
Oladimeji Olusunmade How time flies! I made this comment 10 years ago when Sowore was then based in NJ and hitting the Tri-state circuit with his SaharaTV. Who would’ve expected him to become a presidential candidate in Nigeria? And then face some of the similar hurdles of detention that Fela endured (albeit without the beatings I think).
good answer for a wrong question... in a mature way
Power to the People
have a mad crush on Femi omg
@princekinzo
Respectfully Afro Beat is not traditional African music. It's a amalgam of Jazz, Funk, and High Life and African rhythms.
Femi is an entertainer, not an activist like his father. He needn't start fights with a reporter who is asking normal reporter questions. If he comes to terms with his role as an entertainer then he won't get his feathers so ruffled when he is being compared to someone who played an ENTIRELY LARGER role.
@bemnaija well, i think Femi can of course express himself better than this in public. Dont forget, he"s on international scene. A journalist can ask any funny and bla bla question. there were no questions that is too much for a musicians.or even a president. In my view, i think he over reacted, And i believe he does this because the reporter was an African man. Simple. And Femi if you are reading this, please need not to be aggressive, just answer the question or ignore it. This
is my opinion.
I like Femi, but I don't like the way he responded to the question about him not taking risks like his father. Yes, the notion may be wrong, but being asked was an opportunity for him to address the notion. He went off on the poor guy and took it personally. He shouldn't have. I still like him though.
The interviewer is really insane
thank u femi, sahara news stuff, pls jsut go nd sleep
What did Femi smoke before this interview, why is he over reacting? He sure scared that poor reporter. I can imagine him reacting to a question like that in Nigeria, the crazy pot heads that surround him and his shrine will lynch the reporter. Not cool Mr Femi Kuti. U need to calm down.
Im still gonna see the show in April though.
Femi should publicly apologise to Sowore for his outburst. Both of you are fighting for course. One in music and the other in journalism.
Apologies for stating facts as it is?
Sowore and his big mouth. Femi gave him a well deserved tongue lashing.
This reporter was out of control - and didn't show any respect - how disgusting. Have some consideration for this man's feelings - after all it was his father !
The so call reporter don't know anything about Femi. His question was naive.
Another example of the unnecessary aggression which is not uncommon among Africans. The reporter didn't ask provocative questions but Femi shows that his arrogance was without limit.
LOL Femi pls don't be annoyed... BTW did the "reporter" sorry "activist" apologise? Maybe Sahara "activists" just needs to present their questions in a better way :) love u guys though...
Can we be sincerely with ourselves, Femi is not fighting... No fight, I am a Nigerian and I know... If the reporter replied him a big word, Idiot too... What is he feeling like... PLEASE... baba Fela Should be respected, Femi saying to the reporter, you talking like a Nigerian, what does mean... its so wrong.. Grow up man
Femi is a mad dog who gets angry at everything. There are more responsible ways of reacting to questions that hurt. You don't go on abusing or calling somebody a fool. His father was much more polite and well refined when he travelled abroad and accosted black people. You ask anybody, especially Africans abroad, they will tell you Femi is rude, arrogant and irresponsible. He needs to change and respect fellow Africans. After all a full at 50 is a full forever. The reporter deserves an apology.
who saw a power play??
What a stupid question to ask a person who just saw a tragic and joyful play of his father. I absolutely understand the question, i just wish the fella could have worded it differently. But I do not believe Femi's response was out of context considering the context of the environment and experience.
very true, some journalist are shithe deserved what he got
Hmnnn Folks, i beg to disagree. Femi did not handle the interview as he should have. I was disappointed at his outburst. He went on and on, missing the point. The reporter could be naive,he could be anybody, his views on the person of Sowore are flawed. Sowore can be anywhere in the world and join the struggle. Wole Soyinka Lectures in the United States, why didnt he sit back in UI. Femi is obviously bitter about the produces not bringing the show to his shrine in Naija,no doubt pocket issues!!
The FELA show is a big shame to the name of Fela. I know Femi made a mistake allowing it to proceed. Fela would not have given permission but his children have done so . This is a big compromise and will ultimately have consequences.
this Sahara reporter are so unprofessional. they never do investigative journalism. they are souring on cheap popularity and really shame is not only to the Nigerian government, but shame on Sahara reporter.........shame
I think Femi overreacted. I'm sure he will see this clip again, and wish he handled this situation better
@aitan844 I think there is something seun imbibed from a later even more godlike fela that i am sure he would not have reacted if the question were put to him even though he was so young when fela left. to paraphrase him answering a similar question . he said he is not aiming to fill fela's shoes his own shoes are enough for him all said with a laugh. serves sowore right though- Mr by force activist.
Dude, take it easy. Why are u mad bro?
You don't even know... His dads story is painful man
8 zombies on Broadway