I still have hope in Nigeria – Femi Kuti

Femi Kuti, the eldest son of the late Nigerian Afrobeat music legend, Fela Kuti, has said he still has hope in Nigeria despite its current challenges.

The musician stated this while speaking to Arise TV on the condition of the country in respect to politics, economy and insecurity.

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Kuti said despite the fact that every country has its challenges, Nigeria has no excuse for its current circumstances.

He added that he remains in Nigeria and maintains hope in it in order to inspire the younger generation.

He said, “I have been in a country that has deteriorated all my life. I have been able to travel worldwide, and I’ve seen other countries. They have their problems too. But like I said, Nigeria has no excuse to be where we are today. Is it electricity? Is it health? Is it roads? Is it salary structure? There’s no arm of government that functions to everybody’s content right now.

“And so, I don’t think I’m being diplomatic. I just don’t want to be brought into social media battle of saying this person or that person because, like I said, I am not convinced about the political parties, I’m not convinced about the political climate, and so, I want to stay in my zone and be ready to fight for change with my music, with the Shrine and with everything I’ve got.

“And I want to give another example. NLC, all my life, has been going on strike. And I fail to see where they have really had a strike that has been meaningful and successful, or that has moved this country forward.

“So, when you understand the strikes in this country, when you understand the political climate in this country, you lose hope.

“But people like me still have to believe. I still believe. I believe that there’s hope. If I didn’t believe, I would’ve been in Los Angeles or anywhere else like other artistes. But I do come back to inspire hope in the younger generation.”