Femi Kuti urges youths to stay and fight for a better country

Femi Kuti has spoken out against the mass emigration trend, known as the “japa” trend, urging Nigerian youth to remain in the country and work towards improving it

Speaking during the 2024 Felabration festival, Kuti made it clear that he has no plans to leave Nigeria, pointing out that countries people often move to fought for their freedom.

He remarked, “People have asked me, ‘Shey you no go japa?’ japa to where?”

Explaining further, he said, “Let me tell you about Europe; what made it great? Do you think they ran away? No, they fought. Europe fought hundreds of civil wars, just killing each other. America had one of the worst civil wars in history, which is why Americans still carry guns today.”

Kuti emphasized that Nigerians should learn from the history of these countries.

He called on Nigerians to realize their duty to fight for a better nation.

“We have to stay here and fight for a better country that we love. We didn’t build the Fela Shrine in Los Angeles or London; we built it in Africa. Get your senses together because this country depends on you.”

Kuti also referenced his son, saying, “Made is a British citizen, but where is he? He is in Nigeria, and he cannot be anywhere else. If he’s called for work, he’d go and come back. Who would take over the shrine? I want to retire.”