Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician Made Kuti has revealed he’s stepping back from activism for better governance in Nigeria, despite coming from one of the country’s most renowned activist families.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Breadown podcast, Made reflected on the legacy of his family — from his great-grandmother Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, who was a fearless women’s rights advocate, to his legendary grandfather Fela Kuti, his father Femi Kuti, and his uncle Seun Kuti.

He noted that despite their sacrifices and outspoken activism, Nigeria remains plagued by the same deep-rooted problems.

“When you look at Nigeria and you see how many years Fela fought, my dad fought, Uncle Seun is still speaking out… Even Funmilayo Ransome Kuti — they threw her from a storey building. She risked her life for Africa’s growth and they killed her for it,” he said.

Made said while he wants to be on the right side of history, he’s not willing to lose his family or peace of mind for a cause that demands so much from so few.

“You might reflect and just say, ‘Well, what’s the point if all these people couldn’t bring change? What’s the chance that my song or my performance can really bring change?’”

He stressed that true change will only come through collective action, not the self-sacrifice of a handful of individuals.

“I believe it’s when the right amount of people, at the right time, do the right thing — that’s what can spark real change. But whether that happens in my lifetime, I don’t know. I’m not an idealist. We all have to play our part for the country to be better.”

Made concluded that while he will always stand for what’s right, he refuses to carry the burden alone.

“Selflessness, I’m very careful with that. I believe we [the Kuti family] have done enough already. I have no interest in activism at the cost of my family’s wellbeing. I want to look my future children in the eyes and say, ‘I did my best — but not at the cost of us.’”