Celebrity Gossip & Gist

Nigerian Afrobeat singer Harrysong breaks Fela’s record, marries 30 women in a single day

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2023

Afrobeat singer, Harrison Tare Okiri, better known by his stage name Harrysong has set a sensational record as he married 30 women in a single day.

This achievement surpasses the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s record of marrying 27 wives in a day.

The founder of Alter Plate records, Harrysong, is now at the center of media attention, with news outlets buzzing about this unprecedented feat.

The event unfolded in a visually striking manner, as captured in a video where Harrysong is seen amidst a congregation of women, all adorned in uniform traditional attire—a clear indication of the newly minted brides.

The video has since gone viral, triggering widespread speculation and discussion about the singer’s motivation behind this unconventional move.

Fans and the public alike are keenly interested in understanding the implications of Harrysong’s decision, both on his personal life and his career.

The Afrobeat singer’s bold move raises questions about societal norms and expectations, prompting discussions on the evolving dynamics of relationships and marriage in contemporary times.

Some are lauding his audacity, while others are curious about the practical aspects of managing such a unique marital arrangement.

As the news continues to circulate, comparisons between Harrysong and Fela Kuti are inevitable.

Fela, an Afrobeat legend, set the previous record with 27 wives, making Harrysong’s 30 marriages an even more remarkable milestone.

Many of Fela’s band members became homeless in 1978 after the devastating soldier attack on Fela’s commune (Kalakuta Republic) in 1977. In order to keep them together, Fela decided to do the unusual.

He gave a piece of paper to his female band members requesting the names of those that would like to marry him; the entire twenty-seven female band members put down their names.

After getting their consent, Fela Kuti married the 27 women on the 20th of February, 1978, at the Parisona Hotel in Anthony, Lagos, with the blessings of twelve Ifa priests. It was alleged that some parents of the ladies objected the marriage.

Fela married the women to protect and keep them together. The marriage ceremony was attended by Fela’s families, friends and other band members.

During the marriage ceremony, Fela rendered a short speech, pressed naira notes on his new wives’ foreheads and gave them marriage certificates. Fela embraced a rotation system of 12 wives at a time. After the marriage, Fela took his 27 wives to Ghana for honeymoon.

However, in 1986, shortly after his release from prison, Fela Kuti divorced his 27 wives on the claim that marriage brings jealousy. It should be noted that they were not forced to leave his house after the divorce; some lived with him till his death in 1997.

Meanwhile, when asked what the video and 30 wives idea were about, Harrysong simply said his fans should watch out for the video which will be released in the coming days.