Fela Kuti

*Afrobeat Pioneer | Nigerian Activist*

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Sometimes in life, one experiences a seminal moment that opens one's mind to new vistas. I had one of these encounters in the early 80s in Lagos, Nigeria. During this time, I was working for a major airline based in Lagos, and little did I know that not too far away from the airport hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, I was a stone's throw away from one of Africa's premier musicians. Fela Kuti was the self-proclaimed "King of African Music."

Locals took us to Fela's compound where we met the mercurial musician—a man of few words. However, you could sense his powerful energy.

The environment of his compound was always packed with various visitors, admirers, and his entourage.

Fela was born in 1938 to educated parents—one being a pastor and the other an activist and school teacher. Fela's parents wanted him to follow in the footsteps of his older brothers, who were doctors.

During his sojourn in England, Fela discovered the joys of music. Later on a trip to the United States, Fela became entranced by the African-American civil rights movement. He became more interested not only in the ideals of the movement but also in African nationalism and spirituality.

On returning to Nigeria Fela became disenchanted with the state of politics, especially the brutality of the Biafran War.

Fela became the leading proponent of Afrobeat for his powerful horn playing and outspoken lyrics. He challenged the legitimacy of the Nigerian government and made many enemies for his outspoken lyrics.

The tension between his outspokenness led the Nigerian government to assault his compound. As a result, he was badly beaten and his mother was thrown out a window. Fela then found himself in the infamous Lagos Prison, Kiri-Kiri.

After his release from prison, Fela, bruised and battered, remained undeterred. He continued to criticize the corruption of government officials in his beloved Nigeria.

As his reputation grew, many people flocked to Lagos to experience this man's new sound, including Paul McCartney of The Beatles. Initially, Fela was wary of McCartney, expressing concern that he had come to Africa to appropriate the music of black artists.

After meeting McCartney, the two became fast friends. McCartney, after seeing Fela perform live, said that his mind was completely blown, leading to a mutual respect.

Inside Fela Kuti’s shrine, one of the world’s most sacred musical meccas

I had the pleasure of visiting the shrine where he performed. The shrine was Fela's primary venue in Lagos. Like McCartney, I was blown away by the intensity of his Afrobeat sounds.

The Afrobeat sound reverberated around the walls driven by Fela's passion for his craft.

Always a rebel, Fela contemplated running for president of Nigeria, a thought likely to cause heart palpitations in some segments of Nigerian society. His dedication to his music and ideology can be compared to that of Bob Marley. The king of Afrobeat passed away in 1997 at the age of 58. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy and memory will endure forever.

Music Is The Weapon

Ola George for YAME

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A Unique Fela

Inside Fela Kuti’s shrine, one of the world’s most sacred musical meccas

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