In a leaked letter seen by Freelanews, a respected Nigerian filmmaker, Dr. Ola Blaogun, has come down hard on the children of the late musical legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, for not knowing their place.
This was a as result of Yeni Kuti’s insistence that the iconic filmmaker sought her permission before a seminar on the late Anikulapo could be organised.
In the letter written on the 10th of Novemeber, 2020 and signed by the filmmaker, Dr. Balogun noted that Fela belongs to all of humanity and nobody seeks Bethoven’s children permission to write about the jazz legend.
“Yeni, I am giving up on you!
“For your information, i do NOT need your permission or collaboration in order to organize a seminar on Fela’s life and work.
It is only out of sheer courtesy that I decided to inform you about my plans.
“In case you don’t know it, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Abami Eda Augustine Omo Iya Aje belongs to ALL of humanity, and not just to his biological children…
“Does anyone need permission from Beethoven’s children to write about Beethoven?
“Have you heard of anyone going to fish out Charlie Parker’s children before writing about bebop or jazz?” Dr. Balogun asked.
The filmmaker believed that Yeni didn’t not even read the proposal he sent to her before making what he thought was a ridiculous request, according to Freelanews.
“If you haven’t taken some time to read my proposal in order to try and understand how you and Femi can usefully collaborate with folks like Ola Balogun, Benson Idonije, Odion Iruoje, Sandra Izidore, Lekan Animashaun, Martin Meissonier, Tam Fiofori, JK Braimoh, Mr. Collins, Lindsay Barrett and Chief Bode Emanuel to honour your late father’s memory and propagate his legacy for the benefit of generations yet unborn, then you are not living up to your responsibilities as Fela’s oldest living offspring.
“Whether you like it or not, the proposed Celebration of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s extraordinary life and marvelous achievements will hold!” he wrote in the letter.
The respected filmmaker also wondered if a paramount monarch in Yoruba land was excited to be part of such an history making seminar, why were the children of the iconic figure demanding for permission for a project which would benefit of generations unborn.
“It may interest you to know that His Royal Majesty Kabiyesi Alafin Lamidi Adeyemi 3rd has expressed enthusiastic support for the idea of honouring Fela’s memory.
“When I visited him in February this year to seek his support for some of the cultural projects that I am currently spearheading, His Royal Majesty the Alafin of Oyo graciously insisted on posing for a picture holding Fela’s photograph aloft in order to express his great admiration and love for Fela,” he said.
The legendary scriptwriter and wordsmith didn’t conclude his letter without throwing a jab at the retired Fela and Seun Kuti’s dancer.
“In conclusion, let me say that I am beginning to wonder what profession you have been pursuing since you retired from your role as a dancer in your brother Femi’s band.
“You told me on so many occasions that you couldn’t take my calls because you were driving that I am beginning to wonder if you have now become an uber driver! Abi?” Dr. Balogun asked.
Dr. Ola Balogun, a Nigerian filmmaker and scriptwriter, also had a stint in the Nigerian music industry in 2001. He has been making films for more than three decades and part of the first generation of Nigerian filmmakers.
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