Femi Kuti discourages 'Japa' syndrome, urges citizens to fight for Nigeria

Nigerian music artiste Femi Kuti has flayed the mass emigration tendency, also known as the 'Japa' trend, and challenged Nigerian youths to strive for a better country.

Speaking at the 2024 Felebration festival, Kuti stated that he had no plans to relocate to another country because even those countries have to battle for their freedom.

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," he added, highlighting the history of some of the countries Nigerians popularly relocate to.

Kuti asked Nigerians to understand their obligation to fight for and improve their own country.

He noted, "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."
He further said, "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."