Femi Kuti, a pioneer of afrobeat, is now a Knight. Last weekend in France, the singer of “Sorry Sorry” received the honorary title of Chevalier de l’Ordre d’Arts et Lettres or Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. The Grammy nominee received the honor at the Rebellion Afrobeat Afrobeat exhibition in Paris, France.
Kuti praised the organizers in his speech of appreciation while pleading with France and world leaders to reverse their anti-African and anti-nation attitudes.
“Thank you very much. I sincerely appreciate this acknowledgment and the French cultural system’s early support of my career at a time when many people did not approve of my choice to pursue a career in music. Before bestowing this honor upon me, France gave me the freedom to express myself through my music and, in my opinion, grasped my pan-Africanist political beliefs through this medium.
Africa must be allowed to fully express itself and work alongside others to create a unified world of justice, love, and peace. As seen by the increasing number of wars, riots, poverty, climate change, and the migrant crisis, I implore you to continue saving lives at sea while exhibiting the utmost degree of humanity.
Africa would be at the forefront of development with the major nations on our planet if given the chance to fully construct its own home and if African leaders prioritize the well-being of our people. To make this happen, he continued, France and the rest of the world must reverse their unfavorable policies toward Africa and its countries.
