If You Don’t Take Off My Father’s Tattoo, You’ll Never Make Progress With That Hand Again” — Seun Kuti Warns
Afrobeat singer and activist Seun Kuti has issued a stern warning amid an ongoing social media controversy involving the alleged misuse of his late father Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s image, saying the dispute is far from being resolved despite calls for calm.
The drama, which has sparked intense debate online, centers on a tattoo bearing the likeness of Fela Kuti. Seun, who has been vocal about protecting his father’s legacy, condemned what he described as an act of disrespect and cultural insensitivity.
In a strongly worded statement, Seun Kuti warned that failure to remove the tattoo would have serious consequences, declaring:
“If you don’t take off my father’s tattoo, you will never make progress with that hand again.”
His comments have since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans, activists, and public figures. While some have criticized the tone of his warning, others argue that Seun is justified in defending his father’s image and intellectual legacy.
Several parties have attempted to mediate and de-escalate the situation, urging both sides to seek dialogue rather than confrontation. However, the latest remarks suggest that a ceasefire remains unlikely, as tensions continue to rise across social media platforms.
Seun Kuti has consistently emphasized that his position is not about personal attacks but about respect for Fela Kuti’s legacy, which he says should not be commercialized or displayed without consent from the family.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many observers are calling for clearer conversations around cultural symbols, consent, and the rights of families over the images of iconic figures. For now, however, the standoff shows no sign of cooling off.
