Made Kuti, son of Nigerian musician Femi Kuti and grandson of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, has sparked a lively debate across social media after opening up about his decision to skip the traditional gesture of getting down on one knee during his marriage proposal.
Explaining his stance, the Afrobeat instrumentalist noted that marriage should be a mutual agreement between two consenting adults rather than a plea.
“I did not go down on my knees when proposing to my wife because I told her it was a mutual decision. We are not begging each other to be with each other,” Kuti stated.
The revelation has ignited a wave of mixed reactions online, with fans heavily divided on the philosophy behind modern life.
A large section of male commenters immediately rallied behind Kuti, praising him for rejecting what many describe as a borrowed Western tradition that contradicts traditional African ideals of masculinity.
One user, SE7EN the HairMechanic, asserted, “African men are finally embracing their true African identity, as a matter of fact she should kneel down to collect the ring.”
Another fan, Gideon Agge, echoed this sentiment, writing, “Who still go down to give ring? Made Kuti is a real Africa man.”
Commenters like Ibn strongly agreed with the notion that proposals shouldn’t feel like a plea for validation: “He’s right. Nobody should beg anyone just because you want to marry her. I don’t see myself going low for any lady.”
Another commentator, Aminu Danjuma applauded the logic, questioning the origin of the trend entirely: “I have always said it. Who came up with this kneeling rule sef?”