Yeni Kuti recounts how Baba Bush supported Fela’s family during financial struggles as he marks his 90th birthday. Read her emotional tribute
Yeni Kuti Shares Emotional Story How ‘Baba Bush’ Supported the Family While Fela Was Away
Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti has paid heartfelt tribute to elder statesman Busura Alebiosu, popularly known as Baba Bush, as he prepares to mark his 90th birthday on April 24, 2026.
Speaking in an interview for an upcoming documentary, Yeni reflected on Alebiosu’s compassion during a difficult period when her father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, was away in the United States.
Describing him as “a kind person,” she recalled how he stepped in to support the family when they were struggling financially.
“I was close to him as a child. The truth of the matter is, my father was in America. He was away for 10 months, and my mother didn’t have money to feed us, pay school fees, and so on,” she said.
According to Yeni, Baba Bush made it a routine to check on the family, ensuring they were safe and cared for in Fela’s absence.
“He came to the house regularly to check on my mum. He would take my mum to NITEL to speak with my father through the telephone, look after us, and make sure we were not hungry,” the singer and dancer popularly known as YK disclosed.
Reflecting on those formative years, she added:
“What really comes to my mind is a man who looked after his friend’s children when the friend was not around. In general, he is a kind person.”
Yeni emphasised that Alebiosu’s actions were driven purely by goodwill, not obligation.
“He must have valued his friendship with Fela to even look after us. Fela didn’t give him money or anything like that; he just did it out of the kindness of his heart,” she said.
She noted that the household at the time included her mother, grandmother, and three children, all of whom benefited from his steady presence.
“We were three children, my mother, and my grandmother, and he would come to the house regularly to make sure we were okay, feed us—those kinds of things. He must have been a kind man.”
The bond between Fela and Alebiosu, she explained, dated back to their time abroad and endured throughout the Afrobeat legend’s lifetime.
Yeni also revealed that Baba Bush continued supporting the family over the years, including reaching out during challenging moments in her brother’s music career.
“I also know that when my brother was going through tough times with his band, he reached out to Uncle Bush for help,” she revealed.
Although the family later lost touch, a recent reunion rekindled old memories.
“Though we lost contact, a few years ago… I met Semiu, his son-in-law… I went to see him. I was very happy to reconnect with him. It was nostalgic for me seeing him; it brought back memories of my childhood,” she said.
She explained that the reconnection was partly driven by efforts to document Fela’s legacy.
“Incidentally, I had reached out… because there is a documentary on my father, and he is someone who knows so much,” she added.
Looking ahead, Yeni expressed hope of seeing him again soon, stressing the importance of preserving such firsthand accounts.
“At 90, the people you know are very few and far between… I do wish I had the presence of mind to visit him regularly.”
Recalling the past, she noted she was about eight years old at the time but still remembers his kindness vividly.
“The truth of the matter is, I was a child then… But I remember him because he was so kind to us.”
As Baba Bush turns 90, Yeni offered a heartfelt message of gratitude:
“Uncle Bush, ẹ ṣe gan, mo dupe on behalf of the family. Thank you so much. I love you, and I wish you many more years. Happy birthday—long life and prosperity.”
