Shalewa Kuti, daughter of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, turned 50 on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Born Omosalewa Anikulapo-Kuti in Lagos in 1976, Shalewa is a Nigerian DJ, music producer and trained lawyer known professionally as DJ Shaarks. While her father helped shape Afrobeat into a globally recognised musical and political force, she has pursued her own path through DJing, music production and cultural events.
Her journey has included efforts to bring Afrobeat to new audiences. In 2018, she organised a UK edition of Felabration, the annual festival celebrating her father’s life, music and legacy.
Shalewa has also released music under her own name. In October 2021, she collaborated with South African singer Busiswa on Burn so Fine Washa, a project that reflected her interest in carrying Afrobeat’s influence into contemporary African music.
Unlike her brothers Femi and Seun Kuti, who are known for their work as musicians and performers, Shalewa has developed a career centred on DJing, production and music curation. Her experience reflects another way of engaging with a musical heritage that continues to influence generations of artists.
As she marks her 50th birthday, Shalewa’s journey offers a reminder that carrying a celebrated family legacy can mean finding a distinct voice within it, rather than simply following the path laid by those who came before.
Happy 50th birthday to Shalewa Kuti, also known as DJ Shaarks.
