Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti, the afrobeat musician known as Femi Kuti, has been honoured with the Chevalier de l’Ordre d’Arts et Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) in France.
Kuti, the son of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the pioneer of afrobeat, was awarded the knighthood during rebellion afrobeat, an afrobeat exhibition in Paris, France.
In his appreciation speech, Kuti thanked the organisers of the event and France for its continued support for him and his art.
“Thank you very much; I truly appreciate this recognition and the involvement of the French cultural system from the start of my career at a point when many people did not accept my path as a musician,” he said.
“France has allowed me to express my music and I believe has understood my political views as a pan-Africanist through this medium before recognising me with this honour.”
He implored world leaders and France to change policies that are unfavourable to Africa. According to him, this will enable Africa to develop at its own pace.
“Africa must be free to express itself completely and to sit with partners to build a unified world of justice, love, and peace,” Kuti said. “The world is at a critical point as we see more wars, more riots, poverty, climate change, and migrant crises, of which I ask you to continue to rescue at sea with the greatest humanity.
“If Africa is allowed the full opportunity to build its home, and African leaders make the welfare of our people a priority, Africa would be at the forefront of development alongside the large powers on our planet. For this to happen, France and the entire world must change policies that aren’t favourable to Africa and its nations.”
Kuti also reiterated his commitment to a free and united Africa as a pan-Africanist.
“For the love of my people and people all around the world, I will continue to dedicate my life to the cause of which I have been a part of for as long as I can remember. A free and united Africa that can work as an equal partner with the rest of the world,” he said.
