Femi Kuti
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002
"One of the most important actions for people in influential positions is to raise the alarm around AIDS loudly and clearly. Information is a powerful tool in the struggle to tame the pandemic’s rampant spread."
Globally acclaimed musician Femi Kuti was born Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti in 1962 in London. He is the son of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, and grew up in Lagos, Nigeria.
Femi's musical career started at the age of 15 when he began playing in his father's band, Egypt 80. He then went on to start his own band, Positive Force.
Like his father, Femi is committed to social justice and human rights. He first became associated with UNICEF when he contributed an essay to The Progress of Nations, a UNICEF publication, describing what becomes possible when nations invest in children’s well-being and protect their rights. In 2002, Femi was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, going on to visit children in Zimbabwe to draw attention to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
In 2014, Femi was interviewed by UNICEF about his views on change, politics and music in Africa. Most recently, he participated at UNICEF’s 70th anniversary event in New York, where he performed with fellow Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo.