Femi was born in London on 16 June 1962 and grew up in the former Nigerian capital Lagos.
Like his father, Femi has shown a strong commitment to social and political causes throughout his career, but he differs in his religious views.
In 2001, Femi collaborated with a number of US musicians such as Common, Mos Def, and Jaguar Wright, on his Fight to Win album. This album was widely regarded as the most influential Neo-Afrobeat album of the early 21st century.
Privatisation
Femi Kuti Lyrics
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Privatisation again, them disguise
Our government, dem think say dem wise
Privatisation again, them disguise
Na legal way to steal our resources, them devise
Corruption in another way, them legalise
Na legal way to steal our resources, them devise
Corruption in another way, them legalise
Their crooked ways, them dey try to justify
No how much them steal, them no day satisfy
Their crooked ways, them dey try to justify
After running down our refineries
And stopping public services from functioning
They tell us privatising
Is the only way of surviving
They then set up private companies
Then take our country′s stolen money
They take our money and buy our country away from us
(Privatisation) ah-ha, ah-ha
(The new corny way)
They take our money and buy our country away from us
(Privatisation) ah-ha, ah-ha, ha-ha
(The new corny way)
To steal our money, to steal our resources
(Privatisation) ah-ha, ah-ha
(The new corny way)
They take our money and buy our country away from us
(Privatisation) ah-ha, ah-ha, ha-ha
(The new corny way)
Femi Kuti's song Privatisation criticizes the practice of privatization that has been adopted by the Nigerian government. The lyrics of the song present a scathing criticism of the government's practice of selling off public assets to private companies in the guise of economic reform. The song highlights the fact that this practice is nothing but a legal way of stealing national resources, and corruption is being legalized in the process.
The song alleges that the government's practice of privatization is a means to steal national resources and enrich the ruling class. Kuti points out that the government's crooked ways are being justified under the guise of economic reforms. Furthermore, the song claims that the government is never satisfied with the amount it steals, and it always tries to justify its actions by convincing the public that privatization is the only way forward.
Kuti's song also highlights the negative consequences of privatization. He points out that the government's practice of selling off public assets has led to the deterioration of the country's refineries, and public services have stopped functioning. The song presents privatization as a means of taking away the country's resources and handing them over to private companies. The song concludes by saying that privatization is a new corny way of stealing the country's wealth.
Line by Line Meaning
Our government, dem think say dem wise
The government believes they are clever
Privatisation again, them disguise
They are disguising privatization to trick us
Na legal way to steal our resources, them devise
Privatization is a legal way to take away our resources
Corruption in another way, them legalise
They've turned corruption into a legal practice
No how much them steal, them no day satisfy
No matter how much they steal, they are never satisfied
Their crooked ways, them dey try to justify
They try to justify their corrupt actions
After running down our refineries
They destroyed our refineries
And stopping public services from functioning
They stopped public services from working
They tell us privatising
They claim privatization is the only solution
Is the only way of surviving
They say privatization is necessary for survival
They then set up private companies
They create private companies
Then take our country′s stolen money
They steal our country's money
They take our money and buy our country away from us
They use our money to buy our country from us
To steal our money, to steal our resources
They steal our money and resources
(Privatisation) ah-ha, ah-ha
Privatization is the culprit
(The new corny way)
It's a new tactic, but it's still wrong
(Privatisation) ah-ha, ah-ha, ha-ha
Privatization is causing destruction and pain
(The new corny way)
It's a terrible tactic
Writer(s): Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti
Contributed by Keira M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@HelgaJK
Same here! Greetings from Serbia.
@verolagos1
Just merci