Popular social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, alongside Afrobeat musician and activist Seun Kuti, recently visited the gravesite of legendary musician and political icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in a symbolic gesture of respect, remembrance, and cultural continuity. During the visit, the duo offered two rams as sacrifices, a ritual act rooted in Yoruba tradition and closely associated with honouring ancestors and departed icons.
The visit, which took place at the Kalakuta Museum in Ikeja, Lagos, drew public attention after images and videos surfaced online showing the solemn moment at Fela’s final resting place. The act was widely interpreted as a show of reverence to Fela, whose influence on music, politics, and social consciousness continues to resonate decades after his death.
Seun Kuti, Fela’s youngest son and the current leader of the Egypt 80 band, has long positioned himself as both a custodian of his father’s musical legacy and a vocal critic of injustice in Nigeria and beyond. His presence at the gravesite was seen as deeply personal and symbolic, reinforcing his commitment to preserving Fela’s cultural, political, and spiritual heritage.
VeryDarkMan, on the other hand, is known for his outspoken commentary on social issues, corruption, and governance. His visit alongside Seun Kuti signaled what many observers described as a meeting of two generations of activism—one rooted in Afrobeat and radical resistance, the other shaped by digital advocacy and social media engagement.
According to sources close to the visit, the offering of two rams was intended as a traditional mark of respect and thanksgiving, in line with indigenous practices that recognise the role of ancestors as moral and spiritual guides. In Yoruba cosmology, such sacrifices are often performed to honour influential figures, seek guidance, or reaffirm continuity between the living and the departed.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who died in 1997, remains one of Africa’s most iconic cultural figures. Through Afrobeat, he fused music with sharp political critique, fearlessly confronting military dictatorships, colonial legacies, police brutality, and social inequality. His activism often came at great personal cost, including arrests, harassment, and violent raids on his communal residence, Kalakuta Republic.
For Seun Kuti, returning to his father’s gravesite is not merely ceremonial. It reflects an ongoing dialogue with history and responsibility. In past interviews, Seun has spoken about the weight of carrying the Kuti name and the obligation to continue challenging systems of oppression through music and public engagement.
VeryDarkMan’s participation added a contemporary dimension to the visit. As a figure who has built a following through digital platforms, he has frequently described his activism as inspired by past radicals who spoke truth to power without fear. His presence at Fela’s gravesite was therefore seen by supporters as an acknowledgment of the roots of modern Nigerian activism.
Reactions to the visit were mixed across social media. While many praised the gesture as respectful and culturally grounded, others questioned the relevance of sacrifices in a modern context. Supporters, however, argued that the act was not about spectacle but about honouring tradition and recognising Fela’s enduring impact on Nigerian consciousness.
Cultural commentators noted that such moments highlight the continuing relevance of indigenous practices in contemporary Nigeria, especially when tied to figures who championed African identity and self-determination. They also pointed out that Fela himself was deeply connected to traditional spirituality and often incorporated ritual symbolism into his music and lifestyle.
Ultimately, the visit by VeryDarkMan and Seun Kuti served as a reminder that Fela’s legacy transcends music. It lives on in activism, cultural pride, and the persistent demand for accountability and justice. By standing at his gravesite and offering traditional sacrifices, the two men reaffirmed a connection between past struggles and present realities, underscoring that the spirit of resistance Fela embodied remains very much alive.
