Femi Kuti Awarded ‘Knight Of The Order Of Arts And Letters” National Honor In France

The French Government, under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, bestowed Femi Kuti with the national order of “Knight Of The Order Of Arts And Letters” (chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et Lettres). This award recognizes his significant contributions to the arts, literature, and the enrichment of cultural heritage.

To be sincere, this is a significant honor for Femi Kuti. Sadly, the Nigerian government has never celebrated him with any National Honor, such as the Member Of The Order Of Niger (MON) they dished out to several music talents days ago. Neither have they presented a National Honor to the legendary Fela Kuti.

If Afrobeat and its evolving Afrobeats are two of the significant tourists attracting content today, when will the Nigerian government give the Fela music Dynasty the flowers they deserve? Is engraving Fela and Femi Kuti’s names on pages of National honor a crime? Is Fela and Femi Kuti not befitting to be called national heroes for their contribution to promoting the Nigerian cultural heritage?

Some of the exclusive images from the event

The presentation of the national honor to Femi Kuti is connected with the ongoing Fela Anikulapo-Kuti ‘Rébellion Afrobeat’ exhibition in Paris, opening today, 19 October, and running through to June 2023. Lemi Ghariokwu, the legendary Nigerian artist and illustrator, is also present at the event. Some of Lemi’s iconic artifacts will be on display. Yeni Kuti, Kunle Kuti, and Rikki Stein were all in France to witness the national honor presentation to Femi Kuti.

Words by Sesan Adeniji: Instagram & Twitter – @sesanadeniji