Afrobeat musician Made Kuti has sparked conversation with his unconventional take on marriage proposals, revealing why he chose not to go down on one knee when asking his wife to marry him.
According to Made, his decision was rooted in the belief that marriage should be a mutual agreement rather than a one-sided gesture. He explained that both partners should come together equally, without the idea of one person appearing to “beg” the other for commitment.
“I didn’t go on my knees because I told her it was a mutual decision. We are not begging each other to be with each other,” he said.
His perspective challenges the widely accepted romantic tradition of kneeling during proposals a gesture often seen as symbolic of love, humility, and devotion. For Made Kuti, however, the emphasis is less on tradition and more on partnership, equality, and shared intention.
The statement has since generated mixed reactions online. While some people admire his stance as modern and grounded in equality, others feel the gesture of kneeling is simply symbolic and does not necessarily imply submission or imbalance.
Supporters argue that relationships should indeed be built on mutual understanding and consent, not grand gestures alone. Critics, on the other hand, believe traditions like proposals add emotional depth and should not be dismissed entirely.
Made Kuti’s comment adds to the evolving conversation about love, marriage, and changing relationship dynamics especially among younger generations who are redefining long-held customs to better reflect their values.
At its core, his message highlights a simple idea: commitment should be chosen freely by both partners, not performed as a ritual of persuasion.
