Head Pastor of the Household of God Church International Ministries, Chris Okotie, and Afrobeat maestro, Femi Kuti, became a year older on Thursday.
While the man on the pulpit is 58, the man with the sax just danced his way to 54.
Different as they both might seem in appearance and ideology, there are at least four things they have in common.
- Music
Before answering the Macedonian call in 1987, Chris Okotie was one of the biggest pop stars on the African scene. In a generation that paraded the likes of Felix Liberty, Jide Obi and Dizzy K Falola, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Law graduate was a hitmaker with songs like ‘I Need Someone’, ‘ABC’, ‘Koko’ and ‘Show Me Your Backside’.
Femi Kuti grew up in the family of the patron saint of Afrobeat musicians, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. From playing in his father’s band, he went on to establish his own Positive Force in 1986. Even when those who were not related to Fela by blood insisted on aping the late icon, the heir apparent created a unique sound that has since seen him travelling to places his father never got to and winning awards his father only dreamed about. Starting with the mildly successful ‘Mind Your Own Business’ to the career defining ‘Wonder Wonder’, Femi killed whatever doubt was left about his musical ingenuity with ‘Bang Bang Bang (Shoki Shoki)’ in 1998. He has not looked back since then.
- Dedicated followers
As overseer of the expansive Household of God Church located in Oregun, Lagos, Pastor Okotie is the leader of a large congregation of worshipers. His church is renowned for attracting celebrities and the upwardly mobile. From beauty queens to movie stars, all have found home with the celebrity pastor. Veteran showbiz personality, Patrick Doyle, has been a member of the church for 24 years.
Femi Kuti does not lead a group of worshippers but the New Afrika Shrine, which was opened in 2000, is home to fans from across the world. Some of the regulars have been with Femi since his days at the original Shrine built and operated by his father on Pepple Street, Ikeja. Like his father’s, entrance to Femi’s Shrine is easily affordable. And, contrary to vows made at the opening, some controlled substance are openly bought and sold by some of Femi’s devotees.
- Political activism
Afrobeat is often tagged an artistic form of protest against corruption, poverty and injustice. Femi inherited his father’s zeal for music and activism. His songs are often laced with messages against corrupt politicians, bad governance, religious intolerance and wrong value system. His dislike for politics is well documented.
Unlike Femi, Chris Okotie, is not apolitical. His brand of activism saw him attempting to become Nigeria’s president in 2003, 2007 and 2011. Perhaps, under the guidance of the spirit, he chose not to contest the 2015 election. His activism these days consists mainly in reaching out to the poor and needy through the Grace Programme/Karis Award.
- Failed marriages
Chris Okotie and Femi Kuti both have histories of failed marriages. Though yoked with beautiful women at different times, the two men are proofs that it takes more than good looks to make a relationship work.
Femi’s celebrated marriage to former Miss Funke Brimo-Yussuf ended more that a decade ago but the two can’t seem to let go of each other. Funke’s only child is Made, the product of her union with Femi. Her ex on the other hand has fathered children by other women. He has, however, vowed not to get married again. Funke insists on keeping Kuti as her surname.
After two failed attempts, Chris Okotie seems to have decided that “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” His first marriage to Tina ended after 15 years over what some claim is childlessness. The second to mother-of-three, Stephanie Henshaw, lasted from 2008 to 2012. The man of God is a father to a nation of worshipers but is not known to have a biological child.
