Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has boldly spoken out against the long-standing custom of using physical punishment to discipline children.
In a recent interview with Big Brother Naija star Phyna, Kuti expressed his belief that physical discipline is a form of abuse that causes long-term trauma to African children.
Growing up in a household where his father, the legendary Fela Kuti, used alternative forms of discipline, Seun Kuti says he learned the value of resolving conflicts without resorting to violence. Reflecting on his childhood, he stated, “As African children, we are all abused, and we all have trauma from abuse. However, my father didn’t believe in beating us as children.”
Kuti acknowledged a rare instance in which his father used physical discipline. “The one time he beat me was because I beat my sister. He didn’t like me fighting my older sister because she was a girl; she was older, but she was always doing bullshit.”
On the other hand, Kuti revealed that his mother, who used more traditional methods of discipline, had a significant impact on shaping his perspective. “My mother, on the other hand, used to kick my a.” Oh my God, that woman beat the sht out of me!”
During the conversation, Phyna interjected, emphasising the need for mothers to discipline their kids. However, Kuti remained adamantly opposed to physical punishment. “Beating anyone up is wrong in any way, shape, or form, especially if they are under your supervision. “Africans never used to beat their children because it is barbaric,” he said.
Seun Kuti’s advocacy against corporal punishment sparks an important discussion about alternative methods of instilling discipline in African households.
