The family of the late music virtuoso, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has published a statement that denies support for the use of the Afrobeats crooner’s song for a political campaign.
The ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) had used Fela’s popular song “Eko Ile” as a form of the campaign towards their 2023 presidential campaign.
Expectedly, the approach raised eyebrows among social media users who had speculated that the Kuti family was endorsing the APC party.
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In a statement seen by MDB, the renowned musical family had this to say;
“We wish to state here for clarity, that the permission of the Estate was not sought for the use of Fela’s music Eko Ile, in the All Progressive Congress social media campaign currently making the rounds (sic)”.
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Titled “Disclaimer and Notice of Use Without Consent”, the family, in the November 28 statement, insisted that the Fela brand remained apolitical towards any campaign.
“We do not involve Fela’s music in any political campaign at home or abroad and choose to remain neutral,” the statement added.
“While we wish all candidates the best we demand that the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are abided by and intellectual property rights are duly respected.”
Read the statement below.
DISCLAIMER AND NOTICE OF USE WITHOUT CONSENT
We the Administrators of The ESTATE OF Fela Anikulapo-Kuti ISSUE THIS DISCLAIMER. WE wish to state here for clarity, that the permission of the Estate was not sought for the use of Fela’s music ‘Eko ile’. pic.twitter.com/aUjSDtN7kx— Femi Anikulapo-Kuti (@Femiakuti) November 28, 2022
