Yeni Kuti Shares Why Her Mother Stayed Celibate for 20 Years After Leaving Fela
Nigerian dancer and singer, Yeni Kuti has revealed details about the personal life of her late mother, Remilekun Anikulapo-Kuti, who was previously married to Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti.
Remilekun Anikulapo-Kuti, ex-wife of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, remained celibate for over 20 years after their separation in 1981.
According to Yeni Kuti, her mother chose not to remarry or pursue another relationship due to her deep affection for Fela, which endured even after leaving his home. This decision was made despite health challenges, including a battle with cancer. When doctors expressed concern about her lack of intimacy, Remilekun reportedly replied, "Fela is the only man for me". She passed away in 2002, still devoted to her love for Fela.
Remilekun Anikulapo-Kuti, ex-wife of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, remained celibate for over 20 years after their separation in 1981.
According to Yeni Kuti, her mother chose not to remarry or pursue another relationship due to her deep affection for Fela, which endured even after leaving his home. This decision was made despite health challenges, including a battle with cancer. When doctors expressed concern about her lack of intimacy, Remilekun reportedly replied, "Fela is the only man for me". She passed away in 2002, still devoted to her love for Fela.
During a live TVC program, Yeni shared that her mother decided against remarrying or entering new relationships after her marriage to Fela Kuti ended.
She said: “We have to break it down into parts; firstly, sex is very important in marriage, secondly, celibacy is a matter of choice.
“My mummy moved out of my father’s house in 1981, and she died in 2002. From 1981 till she died, she never met another man; she was celibate during that period. I knew, but I could never understand.
“She got cancer in between and she went for a check up, when the doctor asked why she isn’t using it, that it’s closing up, she said, ‘Fela is the only man for me.”
She said: “We have to break it down into parts; firstly, sex is very important in marriage, secondly, celibacy is a matter of choice.
“My mummy moved out of my father’s house in 1981, and she died in 2002. From 1981 till she died, she never met another man; she was celibate during that period. I knew, but I could never understand.
“She got cancer in between and she went for a check up, when the doctor asked why she isn’t using it, that it’s closing up, she said, ‘Fela is the only man for me.”
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