• Femi Kuti, a renowned singer, has urged young Nigerians not to be ‘japa’.

• He believes that they should remain in the country and work towards its improvement.

• Kuti highlighted the history of civil wars and struggles in developed countries like Europe and America during the 2024 Felebration festival.

Renowned musician Femi Kuti has urged young Nigerians to refrain from the trend of ‘japa.’

He encouraged them to remain in the country and work towards its betterment.

During his address at the 2024 Felebration festival, Kuti highlighted that developed nations such as those in Europe and America have fought for their freedoms, referencing their histories of civil wars and struggles.

He emphasized the importance of Nigerian youth recognizing their duty to enhance their own nation.

Kuti pointed out that significant cultural landmarks, such as the Fela Shrine, were established in Africa rather than overseas, and noted that even individuals with dual citizenship play a role in Nigeria’s development, using his son, Made Kuti, as a pertinent example.

He said: “People have asked me, ‘Shey you no go japa?’ Japa to where?”

“Let me tell you about Europe; you see Europe and what made it great. Do you think they ran away? No, they fought; Europe fought hundreds of civil wars; dem just dey kill themselves. America had one of the worst civil wars in history, which is why till today Americans still carry guns.

“We must understand that we have to stay here and fight for a better country that we love. We did not build the Fela Shrine in Los Angeles or in London; we built it in Africa. Get your senses together because this country depends on you.

“Made is a British citizen but where is he? He is in Nigeria and he cannot be anywhere else. What does he want to do there? If they call him for work, he’d go there to play and come back. Who would take over the shrine? I want to retire.”