Nigerian Afrobeat singer Made Kuti has triggered widespread discussion on social media after explaining why he refused to kneel while proposing to his wife, Inedoye Onyenso.
Speaking during an interview on the Timeless Podcast aired on Nix Network’s YouTube channel, the 30-year-old singer said he viewed marriage as a partnership between equals rather than an act of pleading.
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“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.”
Mádé Kuti // InstagramPrivate wedding in Lagos
Made Kuti and Onyenso got married in a private ceremony held in Lagos in November 2023. The singer, who comes from the legendary Kuti music family, also revealed during the podcast that his wife was once his schoolmate.
The musician is the son of Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti and the grandson of pioneering Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti.
Social media reactions
Following the interview, social media users shared differing opinions on whether men should kneel during proposals.
Some users defended Made Kuti’s stance, arguing that relationships should be based on equality and mutual understanding.
Others felt traditions still matter in romantic relationships.
Here are some of the reactions online:
“Marriage is a partnership. Nobody should feel like they are begging to be loved.”
“Kneeling is symbolic. It doesn’t mean the man is lesser.”
“At least he was honest about what he believes instead of pretending for social media.”
“Love should be mutual, but small romance doesn’t hurt.”
“People are arguing about kneeling while others are struggling to even find loyal partners.”
Mádé Kuti // InstagramSimilar conversations in Kenya
The discussion mirrors debates that have previously emerged in Kenya regarding proposals and marriage traditions.
In March 2023, Maina Kageni and Mwalimu King'ang'i sparked a conversation on Classic 105 after discussing why many Kenyan men do not formally propose before marriage.
Maina questioned why some couples move in together and start families without official proposals.
“Do Kenyan men understand the importance of these things?” Maina asked during the breakfast show discussion.
King'ang'i responded humorously, suggesting that many relationships become marriages after pregnancy and cohabitation.
“Hii kitu haina formula. Inaanzanga na mimba!”
