Afrobeat icon, Femi Kuti says he has been able to improve on his father and Afrobeat legend, Fela‘s unconventional style of parenting to raise his own children.
Femi Kuti, who has seven biological and four adopted children, stated this in an interview published by Sunday Punch.
“My father, for instance, wasn’t the conventional father. He didn’t want me to have western education; so my life was very difficult. Now, because of the way I grew up, I know what to do for my children.
“I let them have western education but let them see that there is another education in this life. I tell them to be masters of their own destinies. I tell them to read other stories, to read about Malcolm X. They all have their different interests. I’m only there to support (them). They may need my advice for other things, like the business they are doing, or they might have difficulties in a relationship, I will tell them my view.
“I don’t impose my philosophy or ideas on them. I give them free rein. Life is an experience. If you don’t experience certain things in life, you have not lived. If you don’t experience love, you have not lived. It is not like love is bad; it is good to fall in love. Maybe sometimes it is good to have a heartbreak, so you can understand it’s no love, no heartbreak. So, life is full of lessons. A father will just be there to help.”
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