The Story of How and Why Fela Kuti Married 27 Women on the Same Day in 1978

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the iconic Nigerian musician and political activist, shocked the world on February 20, 1978, when he married 27 women in a single ceremony. The event was not just an extravagant act but a deeply personal and symbolic statement rooted in his beliefs, lifestyle, and the socio-political environment of the time.

Fela, known for pioneering the Afrobeat genre, lived a controversial and unconventional life. His home, known as the “Kalakuta Republic,” functioned as a commune, recording studio, and sanctuary for those who embraced his ideals of freedom and rebellion against oppression. Many of the women he married were his dancers, singers, and staff members who had been part of this communal living arrangement.

The marriage itself was Fela’s response to the events of 1977, when the Nigerian military raided the Kalakuta Republic. During the raid, his mother was thrown from a window — an incident that would later contribute to her death — and the commune was burned to the ground. In the aftermath, rumors spread accusing Fela of promiscuity and exploiting the women living with him. To counter these accusations and protect their reputations, Fela decided to formalize his relationships with them in marriage.

The mass wedding took place in a traditional Yoruba ceremony in Lagos. Each woman was given the opportunity to decide whether she wanted to marry Fela, and they reportedly all agreed willingly. As part of the ritual, Fela presented each bride with a wedding ring and paid a symbolic dowry. The union was unconventional, even by polygamous standards in Nigeria, and sparked widespread media attention and public debate.

Fela justified the marriage as an expression of love and solidarity, claiming that he wanted to give the women respect and protection from societal judgment. He also saw it as a rejection of Western norms regarding marriage and relationships, aligning with his broader message of African identity and resistance to colonial influences.

Over time, some of the marriages dissolved, but Fela maintained close bonds with many of the women throughout his life. The story of his mass wedding remains a symbol of his defiance and commitment to living life on his own terms, challenging societal norms and embracing African traditions in a way that was both controversial and captivating.