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OMOSHALEWA ANIKULAPO-KUTI … fifth child of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and daughter of Adefunmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti. Studied Mass Communication at the ogun state Polytechnic Now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, after which she studied law at the University Of Lagos and relocated to the United Kingdom In 2005.
Aside from being born in the music family, she has been in the music industry for a while, She went to music school to study music production / DJ. Then opened her music studio in the UK. She is more focused on being a Dj now.
You also proved that you are true daughter of the great music, Fela by taking after him, but in a different way as a DJ. How are you convinced that you are following his legacy?
I would say am upholding his legacy. Fela passes messages across through his music. Been a female Dj is part of upholding his legacy and like I said in my other interviews that when Dj’ing, I’m always happy seeing people happy and dancing which is a reflection of fela’s legacy.
Why did you dump your profession as a lawyer for music?
I have always been involved in music…. To me music is a passion and I decided to follow my passion. But nothing stops me if I want to change back to law at anytime but at the moment love what am doing.
What kind of music do you personally enjoy?
I enjoying listening To Afrobeats , Jazz , R N B Music
This year’s felabration has recorded another success. How do you feel to be part of this celebration as child of the music legend and one of the artistes that performed at the event?
It was an amazing feeling. I’m glad it turned out to be a success. And personally being with my family and my father’s fans was an ice on the cherry.
What has been your greatest challenge in the industry?
The only challenge there, is been a woman in men’s world. Although some have been supportive and some have not but as an individual/ female Dj I believe in my strength and the quality of my work and delivering the best for my fans.
What do you miss about late Fela?
I miss him being Fela and I miss seeing him perform. I miss his Yabis, talking about politics and his sense of humor. There was never a dull moment with my dad.
Describe him as a father?
Fela was my idol, he was a loving and wonderful father, he was one of a kind (the abami eda), had a great sense of humor. Regardless of his music career, He was also up to his responsibilities as a father.
Kalatuta always used to have lots of people around; how did you cope with the constant crowd while growing up?
Kalakuta was like an institution. For me it felt normal, I was born in It, didn’t think any differently. Always enjoyed life In Kalakuta Republic.
Fela was a musician and activist. Femi and Seun obviously have those traits; must everyone sing?
No. I love music and I don’t have to sing to express myself. There are other parts of music apart from singing and that’s why I followed this part to derive happiness from what I love.
Talking about the new generation of Nigerian music, we find out that their lyrics are not as powerful and thought-provoking as those of people like Fela, obey and KSA; What’s your take on that?
Everybody’s opinion or inspiration towards music is different. They are unique In their own ways and they have their own target audience. I think they are fantastic taking African music all over the world and music continues to evolve both locally and internationally.
Can you give three tips for women that wish to enter the music Industry and Dj professionally?
Focus! Focus!! Focus!!! Determination, Passion
How would you describe your style?
African, modern, trendy and contemporary
Who Inspires You?
Fela, My Mother & Myself
Did you always want to have a career In music?
Yes. Ever since I was a kid. When I was in primary school, I was always in Music and drama club in school, I also remember getting my first ever saxophone from my dad. I enrolled into a music school at ikeja to learn how to play The Saxophone When I was In Secondary School. But after my secondary school my mother, being a mother, wanted me to focus more on my education, so I ended up studying law
Taking a deep look into your career, would you say you have achieved your desired goal in 2018 and what are the plans set aside to give yourself leverage?
So far so good it’s been a fantastic 2018. I’m thankful to God and my fans. As an artist/ DJ, I’m working hard with my team ” Stew Cooking”. Watch out for 2019.
What is your relationship with the eldest son, Femi and other siblings like? And how united are all the children now?
He’s been a father figure in the family and we are all united.
How has your father’s name open doors for you and otherwise within and outside the shores of the country?
Although people have different perspectives of Fela but the people I’ve met always respect and show their admiration towards me being Fela’s daughter…both within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
Your relationship with your siblings?
We keep in touch
Any words to your fans?
Thank you for your love and support. Remain focused and stay positive.
Cheif Editor – @mide_ajayi
Content Writer – @dorcasijacha
Photographer – @tobi_skillful
Makeup – @beatbyace
Stylist – @fayo_ths
Cover – @shalewa_anikulapo_kuti
Graphics – @xdstudios_
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