Seun Kuti, the youngest son of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, has reacted to a twerking performance by Nigerian entertainer Korra Obidi at his father’s grave. The video, which surfaced on social media over the weekend, has sparked widespread debate online, with opinions divided on whether the performance was a tribute or inappropriate.
Korra Obidi, a Nigerian singer, dancer, and social media personality, shared the video of her visit to the grave of Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known as Fela Kuti, in Lagos. In the post, she explained her reason for the dance, saying it was in honour of Fela’s vibrant lifestyle and love for energetic performances.
“I gave baba an offering. We visited the grave site of Anikulapo Kuti today, and we all know that one thing Fela loved was a woman with gyrating hips. So I decided to twerk for baba,” Korra wrote on her Instagram page.
Reacting to the performance, Seun Kuti appeared to appreciate the gesture, acknowledging it as consistent with his father’s bold and unconventional approach to life and art.
“You guys know what baba likes but you will never give him what he wants. E go better for you my sister,” Seun said. His response suggests approval of Korra’s tribute while keeping the tone light and playful, reflecting the Kuti family’s characteristic embrace of expressive art and culture.
Seun Kuti, who continues to uphold his father’s musical legacy through performances and activism, is known for his open-minded attitude towards creative expression. His comments on Korra’s tribute appear to endorse her effort to honour Fela’s memory in a way that aligns with his father’s vibrant personality.
The video quickly went viral on social media platforms, generating mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some praised Korra for her creative and unconventional tribute, others criticized the performance, arguing that dancing in such a manner at a grave is disrespectful and inappropriate.
Social media users expressed strong opinions, with some stating that the twerking could have been interpreted as irreverent, regardless of Korra’s stated intentions. Others defended the dance, saying it was in line with Fela Kuti’s culture of challenging societal norms and celebrating life through music and dance.
Fela Kuti, who died in 1997, was renowned for his controversial lifestyle, politically charged music, and energetic performances. His approach to music and culture often defied conventional norms, and he celebrated freedom of expression in all forms. Supporters of Korra’s dance argue that her performance reflects this same spirit, using art to pay homage to Fela’s memory.
Korra Obidi is widely recognized for her bold dance moves and ability to blend entertainment with expressive storytelling. Over the years, she has built a reputation for using dance to convey emotions, celebrate cultural heritage, and engage audiences in Nigeria and internationally. Her decision to twerk at Fela’s grave appears to be an extension of her style—expressive, energetic, and rooted in cultural storytelling.
By performing at the gravesite, Korra may have intended to honor Fela’s influence on music, dance, and Nigerian culture. Her choice of tribute reflects an understanding of Fela Kuti’s artistic philosophy, which embraced freedom, creativity, and bold expression.
Fela Kuti remains one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural icons, remembered not only for his musical genius but also for his activism and defiance of societal norms. He pioneered Afrobeat, a genre blending traditional African music with jazz, funk, and highlife, and used it to address political corruption and social injustices.
Fela’s lifestyle and performances were often controversial, but they left a lasting impact on generations of artists and entertainers. For many, tributes to Fela, whether traditional or unconventional, reflect an ongoing engagement with his legacy and the values he championed—creativity, freedom, and self-expression.
Korra Obidi’s performance raises a larger conversation about how modern entertainers engage with the legacies of cultural icons. While some insist that sites like graves should be treated with solemn respect, others argue that creative tributes can celebrate a person’s life in meaningful ways.
In this case, Seun Kuti’s measured approval indicates a recognition that Fela’s philosophy was rooted in challenging norms and embracing vibrant artistic expression. By acknowledging Korra’s effort, Seun suggests that paying homage does not always require traditional forms of respect, especially when aligned with the values of the person being remembered.
