JP: Do you have family members playing in the band?

SK: My sister used to sing in the band, but she left because she’s in her last year in University now. The other Kuti is a cousin from my mother’s side. I am musically related to the whole band. I cannot distinguish between my family and the band.

JP: What are your plans for the future?

SK: I like to take one step at a time. The world is a small place. Now we’re living with the credit crunch and who knows what will happen next.

JP: What kind of music have you been listening to lately?

SK: I just bought Eminem’s new album. That man is so funny. It’s a great album.

JP: Would you ever consider collaborating with Hip Hop artists like you brother Femi did on his Fight to Win album?

SK: If the situation presents itself, but it’s not a priority for me right now.

JP: Do you listen to your dad’s albums often?

SK: Of course, I listen to them a lot.

JP: Do you have a favorite song?

SK: I have two favorites “Look and Laugh” and “Original Sufferhead”. I can never choose between these two songs!

JP: Do you have an explanation for the current resurgence of interest in Afrobeat Music? For instance, there’s not much interest in Juju Music which is also from Nigeria.

SK: It’s the message and the originality. It has universal appeal. It’s something people can relate to.

JP: Some people nowadays regard Fela as a prophet. What do you think about that?

SK: First of all, he was the Chief Priest of The Shrine. But I don’t believe in prophecy.

JP: But Yar’Adua, for instance, who was targeted in many of you dad’s lyrics, is now President of Nigeria.

SK: Once again, I don’t believe in prophecy. But my father was a good observer and he must have seen the inevitable outcome. Nigeria is run by the Mafia; I mean it’s really the Casa Nostra that’s running the country.

JP: I read in John Collins’ book that Fela had a large library. Did you ever see it? If so, what kind of books did he read?

SK: Yes, he had a big library filled with books about African history, religion and politics.

JP: Do you work out or do sports?

SK: Yes, I play a lot of Football when I’m at home.

JP: Ah, Soccer is very popular here.

SK: No, I mean American Football, not Soccer. I think they should call Soccer Football because you only use your legs.

JP: Of all the memories of your dad, which memory stands out in your mind the most?

SK: Living with his presence every day. It is twelve years ago now that I lost him, and it’s his presence that I miss the most.

JP: If there will be a free and united Africa in the future, will there still be a role for Afrobeat Music?

SK: (grins) There will be a role for Afrobeat Music in Africa for at least the next 200 years. In fact, there will always be a place for Afrobeat Music. It’s for the common people, and it’s their weapon.

JP: Is there anything else you would like to tell your fans?

SK: Live your lives as part of the solution, that’s what I always say.

Read a full review of the gig with pictures at The Shrine: The Unofficial Website for Fela Kuti and Afrobeat Music.