Veteran musician Duro Ikujenyo has spoken about the difficult choices he made when he left his government job to pursue music.
In an interview with newsmen, he reflected on how his decision to work with Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti created tension within his family.
Leaving A Government Career Behind
At the time, he worked at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, but he resigned because he felt unfulfilled and wanted to follow his passion for music.
However, his parents strongly disagreed with his decision.
As a result, they asked him to leave their home after they discovered he planned to quit his government job.
“Before I lived with Fela, I worked at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,” he said.
“My parents never knew about my music, but once they found out I wanted to resign, they drove me out of the house.”
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Ikujenyo Shared Insight On Family Rejction And Relocation
He explained that his parents believed he should keep a stable job if he wanted to remain at home.
He also noted that his father worked at the Ministry of Information and Cultural Department and contributed to the administrative structure of CBAC.
After leaving home, he moved to Ikoyi, where he began rebuilding his life independently.
Psychiathric Evaluation And Final Acceptance
He also recalled another difficult moment during that period.
His parents took him to a psychiatric hospital because they believed his behaviour and beliefs showed signs of mental instability.
“When I went back home, my parents took me to a psychiatric hospital thinking I was not mentally stable because of my beliefs,” he said.
“However, doctors examined me and confirmed that I was fine.”
Despite these challenges, he continued his journey in music and eventually became part of Fela Kuti’s musical circle, building lasting memories within the Afrobeat movement.
