Home/Entertainment/Interview:‘Femi Kuti and I still remain good friends’ —Funke Kuti

‘Femi Kuti and I still remain good friends’ —Funke Kuti

The rumour mill was set rolling immediately she was spotted at Femi Kuti’s 50th birthday party. It was reported that the duo were working silently towards a reconciliation, but Funke Kuti, in this interview with TUNDE AYANDA dispels the story. She also talks about  her management company, among other issues.

It’s been some years now that you’ve been running FK Management, can you share with us the experience?
It hasn’t really been that long, especially when you understand that you actually need a certain amount of time for a new company to incubate. It was difficult at the beginning but through my determination and perseverance, things have started picking up. It’s so interesting and rewarding, building a new business from the scratch and watching it grow.

Your management company is still tied to just two artistes, is this deliberate?
Yes, it is.  We prefer to deal with the two of them, for now (Weird MC and The Engager). I like to be personally involved in everything they are doing. Right now, we are working on quite a few things for both of them. Remember, FK Management is not just about artiste management. We have the Events and PR angle as well. If I sign any new artistes now, I won’t have the time to personally manage them and that won’t be fair.

How do you decide on the artistes you sign on the company?
  Before we sign on an artiste, we assess their ‘star’ quality.  It is not enough to know how to sing or rap - you need to have that ‘wow factor’ that will set you apart. You have to be able to deliver on the music angle, have stage performance skills, people skills; you should be presentable and so on.

How did you conceive the idea of artiste management; did you have any prior experience in it?
  I have always had a passion for music and, from when I was a kid.  I believe that music relieves a lot of pent-up stress, and yes, I do have experience. I was actively involved in an international band at some point in my life. We toured extensively and I was exposed to various aspects and modalities of artiste management. When the time was right, I decided to set up my own company.

What are your plans for FK Management in 2013?
  We have great plans for 2013, but I’d prefer not to talk about that, right now. The soup is still cooking.

Your appearance at Femi Kuti’s 50th birthday generated a lot of interests, with talks of a comeback between you, how true is this?
 I wonder why people love to read meanings into otherwise innocent situations. I keep on saying this, over and over again, apart from the fact that we have an awesome child together, Femi and I still remain good friends. So, it’s only normal for me to support a friend turning 50.

Many thought since Femi has moved on raising another family, they expect such from you, why do you still maintain a single status?
 Being single is not a crime, neither is it a burden. To be single or not is a choice, not a sickness. I am happy the way I am and I thank God for all He has done for me so far.

What are the challenges of being a single woman?
 Challenges? None that I can pinpoint, right now. So far, I am doing very good and I’m only accountable to myself and God.

Can you tell us about your son- Made, he was at his dad’s birthday, now a grown-up. How often do you see him?
  I do not talk about my son publicly. He is fine and doing very well. I’m extremely proud of him.

You always support your mum in her campaign against domestic abuse, can we relate this with your past experience?
 My mum is a great woman and I not only support her, but I am also a part of the NGO that seeks to assist the marginalised women and youths.

The fight against domestic violence and abuse is a part of the total focus of the NGO (Acts Generation). Our family has always had a caring heart for the less fortunate and it is normal that I be a part of reaching out to the larger community.

You are in your 40s, yet you look like a 20-year-old, so also your mum, she looks far younger and more beautiful than her age. Is there any beauty routine you stick to in your family?

  There is no routine; we thank God for the wonderful genes that we have. But basically, we have a light heart towards issues and try to allow our inner beings not to be polluted with negative things.  Negative thoughts and attitudes have a lot to do in the ageing factor.  We also try to eat healthy (most of the time) and drink a lot of water.

What lessons has life taught you?

Life has been quite interesting, so far and it is has taught me not to depend too much on humans.  When you are not too expectant, you don’t get disappointed. I have learnt to view life as it comes and do unto others as I want them to do to me. I take one day at a time.

One of your hobbies is dancing, do you still have time for it?

Not professionally anymore, but occasionally. I dance to music at home; it’s a way for me to escape stress; the few times I go out, I dance.

You are very fashionable, what are your favourite fashion items?

 My jeans, my loafers...

How can you define style?

 Style is an expression of a person.  It is who you are and what you are.  It speaks about the type of person you are, without you having to speak.  Style is you!

Source:Nigerian Tribune