Fela Kuti, also known as Fela Anikulapo Kuti or simply Fela, was a Nigerian musician, bandleader, and political activist. He is considered one of the greatest African musicians of all time and is often referred to as the “King of Afrobeats.” Fela’s music was heavily influenced by social and political issues in Nigeria, and he used his music as a platform to speak out against corruption and oppression in his country.
Fela began his career in the 1960s as a jazz musician, but he quickly began to incorporate traditional African rhythms and elements of funk and soul into his music. He formed the band Africa 70 in 1969 and released multiple albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Fela’s music was heavily influenced by Yoruba culture and religion, and his songs often featured political and social commentary.
One of Fela’s most famous albums, “Zombie,” was released in 1976 and was a direct attack on the Nigerian military dictatorship. The title track, “Zombie,” was a criticism of the Nigerian military’s practice of using soldiers as “zombies” to suppress political dissent. The album was banned in Nigeria, but it still managed to become a hit in other parts of Africa and around the world.
Fela was also known for his political activism and he was an outspoken critic of the Nigerian government. He established the Kalakuta Republic, a commune in Lagos, which served as a safe haven for political activists and artists. In 1977, the Nigerian military attacked the commune, injuring many of its residents and killing Fela’s mother. The incident served as a catalyst for Fela’s political activism, and he continued to speak out against the government through his music.
Fela’s music was a blend of traditional African rhythms and Western pop, and it was heavily influenced by his political and social beliefs. He was a pioneer of the Afrobeats genre, and his music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by people all over the world. He passed away in 1997 but his music lives on, and it continues to inspire generations of musicians.
