Made Kuti Rejects Materialism

Afrobeat star Made Kuti says he values purpose over possessions, adding that owning many cars is strange to him as they are merely depreciating assets

Grammy-nominated Afrobeat star, Made Kuti, rejects materialism and has declared that material things hold little value for him. Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Pulse Nigeria, the musician explained that he does not see the point in accumulating wealth for show or status.

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Raised in the legacy of Afrobeat legends and social consciousness, Kuti attributed his views to his upbringing. He believes that his father’s approach to parenting helped shape a mindset that prioritises purpose and simplicity over luxury. This perspective, he said, defines his approach to life and success.

Kuti questioned the need for excessive possessions, particularly cars, stating that they are not investments but assets that lose value quickly. “I’m the kind of person who just do what he wants,” he said.

“So a lot of my interests are… Maybe my dad was very clever with how he raised us. But the school of thought is, I don’t care much about materialistic things.

For example, how many cars do you need to drive? I genuinely don’t understand why you need 7, 8 cars. They are depreciating assets. In the next couple of years, they will depreciate.”

He added that while his views may seem unusual to others, they are consistent with his personal values. “It’s weird to me,” he said, “but it’s an interest to another person.”

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Kuti’s words come at a time when public figures are often judged by displays of wealth. His outlook stands in contrast to a culture of material excess, offering a refreshing message that real value may lie not in what one owns, but in what one stands for.