FEMI KUTI has strongly condemned the growing trend of mass emigration known as the "japa" trend, urging Nigerian youth to stay in the country and actively work towards its betterment.
Speaking at the 2024 Felabration festival, Kuti made it clear that despite the challenges in Nigeria, he has no intention of leaving the country. “People have asked me, ‘Shey you no go japa?’ japa to where?” he said, emphasising his commitment to Nigeria.
Kuti explained that the countries many Nigerians seek to move to did not become great by fleeing their problems but by fighting through their challenges.
“Let me tell you about Europe; what made it great? Do you think they ran away? No, they fought. Europe fought hundreds of civil wars, just killing each other. America had one of the worst civil wars in history, which is why Americans still carry guns today,” he stated, urging Nigerians to learn from the history of these nations.
He stressed the importance of staying and contributing to the country’s growth, saying, "We have to stay here and fight for a better country that we love. We didn’t build the Fela Shrine in Los Angeles or London; we built it in Africa. Get your senses together because this country depends on you.”
Kuti called on young Nigerians to take responsibility for shaping their nation’s future rather than fleeing for opportunities elsewhere.
Kuti also mentioned his son, Made Kuti, who has chosen to remain in Nigeria despite holding British citizenship. “Made is a British citizen, but where is he? He is in Nigeria, and he cannot be anywhere else. If he’s called for work, he’d go and come back. Who would take over the shrine? I want to retire,” Kuti said, highlighting the Kuti family’s enduring commitment to their homeland.
