When you think of Afrobeat, one name stands tall above all: Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Often referred to as the father of Afrobeat, Fela was not only a musical genius but also a fearless political activist whose legacy has transcended generations. His influence on global music, especially Afrobeat, is undeniable, and his activism left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Nigeria and beyond. But who exactly was Fela Kuti, and how did his life’s work shape the world we know today?
The Early Years: A Revolutionary in the Making
Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela came from a family deeply rooted in activism. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a prominent feminist and anti-colonial activist, while his father was a school principal and clergyman. It was no surprise that Fela’s upbringing would plant the seeds of resistance and defiance against oppression.
Fela’s musical journey began when he moved to London in the late 1950s to study medicine but instead pursued his passion for music at the Trinity College of Music. Influenced by jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional African rhythms, Fela began experimenting with a sound that would later become Afrobeat. His early works reflected the fusion of these genres, but it wasn’t until his return to Nigeria that Afrobeat, as we know it today, began to take shape.
The Birth of Afrobeat
Afrobeat is more than just a genre; it’s a powerful fusion of music, culture, and political activism. Combining complex percussion, jazz harmonies, funk grooves, and highlife rhythms with African chants and call-and-response vocals, Afrobeat is a sound that demands attention. But it’s not just the music itself that captivated audiences—it was Fela’s message.
Upon returning to Nigeria in the 1960s, Fela formed his band, Koola Lobitos, and later renamed it Africa ’70. During this period, he was heavily influenced by the civil rights movement in the U.S., the Black Power movement, and pan-Africanism. This newfound political consciousness transformed his music into a weapon of resistance, with lyrics that openly criticized Nigeria’s military dictatorship, corruption, and colonialism.
Fela’s lyrics, often sung in Pidgin English to reach a wider African audience, were fearless. His songs like Zombie, Coffin for Head of State, and Water No Get Enemy called out corrupt governments, oppressive regimes, and systemic inequalities. His music wasn’t just a form of entertainment—it was a bold declaration of political defiance.
Fela Kuti: The Activist
Fela didn’t just sing about revolution—he lived it. He established his own commune, the Kalakuta Republic, which was a self-declared independent state that housed his band members and followers. He also opened the doors to the iconic African Shrine, a nightclub that served as a hub for his musical performances and a platform to speak out against societal issues.
His influence on global music, especially Afrobeat, is undeniable, and his activism left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Nigeria and beyond.
Fela’s activism put him in constant conflict with the Nigerian government. His home and commune were raided multiple times, most infamously in 1977, when his home was burned down, and his mother was severely injured during a military attack. Yet, Fela remained undeterred, continuing to challenge the government through his music and political actions.
His commitment to speaking truth to power earned him a global following, and despite the attempts to silence him, Fela’s influence only grew stronger.
Fela’s Lasting Influence on Afrobeat and Beyond
Fela’s passing in 1997 marked the end of an era, but his legacy has never faded. Today, Afrobeat continues to thrive as a genre, heavily influencing modern African and global music. The sounds that Fela pioneered can be heard in the works of contemporary artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Seun Kuti, Fela’s own son, who carries the torch of his father’s legacy.
The Afrobeat movement has also spread far beyond Africa, inspiring genres like Afrobeats (a modern, commercialized version of Afrobeat), which blends African rhythms with elements of dancehall, pop, and hip-hop. It’s a testament to Fela’s vision that his work, deeply rooted in Nigerian culture and politics, has managed to resonate with a global audience.
In addition to music, Fela’s activism continues to inspire social justice movements worldwide. His fearless opposition to corruption and oppression has influenced generations of activists fighting for human rights, racial equality, and political freedom. Fela’s message is just as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.
From Fela to Felabration: Honouring a Legacy
Fela Kuti’s life, music, and activism are celebrated annually through Felabration, a global music festival held in his honour. Originally conceived by his daughter, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, in 1998, Felabration brings together fans, musicians, and activists from all over the world to celebrate Fela’s contributions to music and social justice.
This festival is more than just a tribute to Fela—it’s a celebration of African culture, resilience, and the enduring power of music to inspire change. Felabration has grown into a global phenomenon, with events held across Nigeria and the world, including the UK, U.S., and Europe. Each year, it serves as a reminder of Fela’s unyielding spirit and his belief in the transformative power of Afrobeat.
Fela Kuti’s Legacy in Today’s Afrobeat Culture
Today’s Afrobeat culture, both musically and socially, would not exist without Fela Kuti. Artists like Burna Boy, who pay homage to Fela in their lyrics and performances, continue to push boundaries, using their music as a tool for activism. Burna Boy’s Grammy Award-winning album Twice As Tall is a direct nod to Fela’s influence, blending Afrobeat with global sounds to address issues like colonialism and African identity.
Meanwhile, festivals like Felabration keep Fela’s memory alive, introducing new generations to the man who redefined African music and showed the world how art can be used as a tool for resistance.
As Afrobeat continues to gain international acclaim, it’s clear that Fela Kuti’s vision has transcended time and place. His legacy is woven into the fabric of global music and activism, and his work remains a beacon for those who believe in the power of music to change the world.
Fela Kuti wasn’t just a musician—he was a revolutionary. And his revolution continues to inspire.
Join us as we celebrate Fela Kuti’s life, music, and activism at Felabration 2024: Look and Laugh in the United Kingdom.
Let’s honour the legacy of Afrobeat and the man who started it all.
