The management of Fela Kuti has called out the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the unauthorised use of the singer’s ‘Eko Ile’ for its campaign.
In a statement on Monday, the Estate of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti warned the APC against using the singer’s song for its political campaign.
It said the late music legend remains apolitical, adding that the use of his music for political purposes will not be tolerated.
“Disclaimer and notice of use without consent. We the administrators of the Estate of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti issue this disclaimer,” it reads.
We the Administrators of The ESTATE OF Fela Anikulapo-Kuti ISSUE THIS DISCLAIMER. WE wish to state here for clarity, that the permission of the Estate was not sought for the use of Fela’s music ‘Eko ile’. pic.twitter.com/aUjSDtN7kx
—Femi Anikulapo-Kuti (@Femiakuti) November 28, 2022
“We wish to state here for clarity, that the permission of the Estate was not sought for the use of Fela’s music ‘Eko Ile’ in the All Progressives Congress (APC) social media campaign currently making the rounds.
“We do not involve Fela’s music in any political campaign at home or abroad and choose to remain neutral.
“While we wish all candidates the best, we demand that the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are abided by and intellectual property rights are duly respected.”
This is not the first time Fela’s family would be calling out the APC.
In May last year, Femi, the eldest son to Fela, also tackled the party for using an inscription of the late musician on its campaign shirts.