Fela Kuti (1938-1997) was Africa’s most famous musician and Nigeria’s foremost political dissident. The video above is part one of a documentary filled with the words and music of Fela. What better way to learn about him than hearing from the man himself?
Fela coined and invented Afrobeat, a combination of Yoruba music, jazz, Highlife, and funk rhythms, fused with African percussion and vocal styles.
His father, Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was a pastor and talented pianist, and his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was active in the anti-colonial, anti-military Nigerian home rule movement. At an early age, Fela experienced both music and politics. His parents wanted him to become a doctor and sent him to study in London, thinking he was working toward a medical education. Fela, however, had enrolled at Trinity College’s school of music and formed his first band, Koola Lobitos, in 1961.
Fela returned to Nigeria in 1963 and formed another version of Koola Lobitos that was influenced by Sierra Leonian bandleader Geraldo Pino. Fela called the music style Afrobeat as a critique of African performers whom he felt had turned their backs on their African musical roots in order to emulate American pop music trends.
In 1969, Fela brought Koola Lobitos to Los Angeles to record and tour. It was during this time that he was introduced to the work of Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver, the Black Panthers and other supporters of black nationalism and Afrocentrism. He was impressed and decided to make some changes. The name of the band became Nigeria 70 and the music became more politically explicit and critical of the oppression of the powerless. He also formed the Kalakuta Republic, a commune, a recording studio and a home for many connected to the band which he later declared independent from the Nigerian state.
Fela became a cultural rebel, the voice of Nigeria’s have-nots. The military junta hounded, jailed, harassed and nearly killed him in order to silence him. In 1977, Nigerian soldiers attacked his Kalakuta compound. Fela suffered a fractured skull and other broken bones. His 82-year-old mother was thrown from an upstairs window. The soldiers set the compound afire and prevented fire fighters from putting out the blaze. All of Fela’s master tapes and musical instruments were destroyed. To mark the anniversary of the Kalakuta attack, Fela married twenty-seven women, many of whom were his dancers, composers and singers. He later adopted a rotation system to keep only twelve simultaneous wives.
Fela established his own political party, Movement of the People (MOP) in 1979, and renamed his band Egypt 80. Until 1983, Nigeria was under civilian rule, which was a peaceful period for Fela until military rule returned in 1983. The following year, Fela was sentenced to ten years in prison on charges of currency smuggling, but with the help of Amnesty International, he was freed a year later.
During the late ’80s, Fela recorded attacks against Nigeria’s corrupt government, Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. During the ’90s, Fela was relatively quiet, with many suggesting that he was too ill. On August 3, 1997, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, a prominent AIDS activist and former Minister of Health, announced his younger brother’s death a day earlier from Kaposi’s sarcoma brought on by AIDS. More than a million people attended Fela’s funeral at the site of the old Kalakuta compound.
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Concrete Loop features ‘Black History Spotlights’ each week honoring black people who have played pivotal roles in history. submissions are welcome.
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I just saw a movie about him…thanks for the knowledge CL
FELA!! Love it! Thanks for spotlighting him, J. Dakar! A lof of ppl still don’t know about his legacy and the greatness of his music!
OMG, let me say i’m so proud right now. VERY FEW people know about this legend from Nigeria. A Nigerian myself i have been shocked when people ask about him. Though his personal life was a hot mess, his music challenged social norms, politics and the corruption in our societies…Rest In Peace…you are with us always.
Love Fela’s music and his son’s as well. No matter what mood I’m in, if I hear Fela, I have to groove–bob my head, tap a foot or something.. Most important is his message in his music–still so relevant and dead on! Great post.
Never heard of him but thanks for once again putting me on J. Dakar. I’m gonna have to sneak and watch each episode while I’m at work cuz once I get home I’m out. LOL. Thanks again.
He was such a star. His music is the best ever. The dude was a pimp.Lol. He had many wives because he didn’t believe in committing adultery. And he used to have sex on the stage. Apart from those Fela elements, I think Fela is one of the greatest singers ever.
Ha ha. Like I won gon Represent. South East Niger Standup!!!
Nigerians are about to take over the post. Yoruba girl representing!
That man right there is a true musical legend and genius. No one I know comes close to this guy in terms of live production of music. Simply genius
Oh wow great post J. Dakar..Its good to know that this black history spotlight isn’t only about african american blacks but blacks in general…
short of words!
i am so proud right now..incredibly proud!
a lot of these sites choose to air out Africa,like all that goes on there is soooo bad and alien to this world
-like no good comes outta that place
but this right here is phenomenal
much props to CL for shedding some positive light on Africa
I was so excited when I came into work today and saw that you published somethingon Fela. I grew up listening to this man’s music and hearing stories of rebellion against the NIgerian government, I remember I was in Nigeria the day he passed away… there was a solar eclipse.. I rememeber people was saying it was because such a great man had passed. Thanks for highlightening him, I love when people get to learn more about the Nigerian people and their culture
great post..I LOVE FELA!!!!!!! put you in a zone!!!!!!!!!!
thank you so so much for this, i was in london about four or five years ago and there was a celebration of his life and his music and i watched his son perform and the minute i got home i went to go read up on him. love it, love that he made music his own way and had little or no concern for pleasing the west and the man could play a mean sax,his son femi i listen to very often and fela’s music has been sampled by a lot of famos artists and nas often refers to him as well. thanks cl you guys have just showcased that you are more than celebrity gibberish by your black history month spotlight. j.dakar i could just give u a kiss and pinch your cheeks for this one.
LOL @ #8, I was just thinking the same thing as I started reading. Nija stand up.
Just as an addition his mother was a very powerful feminist and a lot of people believe that his strength and passion against injustices stem from her.
during the FESTAC celebration which surprisingly most americans are unaware of, he received offers to work with paul mccartney of the beatles which he turned down less than gracefully lol. But it was hardly because of race because one of his acclaimed tours was with Ginger Baker who is clearly a white man.
When its all said and done he was a musical gift to the world and oh by the way since i live in dc there is a club on U street that I discovered last year that celebrates the anniversary his death so those in the area might want to check it out.
i know lots of information but i have studied this man’s life and music since i heard it.
OMDZ wow..CL ure the greatest..I acctually didnt grow up listening to him becos im only 18 but my parents did. My parent always use to talk about this LEGEND. wow..and is funny because last week i was just reasearching him cos i found his life veryy intresting. Fela was like the micheal jackson ov nigeria. He was fearless, qualties that more leaders nowadays need to have. o yeh and his Son Femi is HAWT. and his mother has one of my names FUNMI !
yh BRAPPP BRAPPP!!!!!
NIGERIANS ALL THE WAY, thanks for the post CL
Fela was a ”crazy” man and it takes being this ”crazy” to stand out in Nigeria! I ain’t mad at u Fela. U left a cool legacy and your son Femi is not fa from doing so!
this absolutely cements it….concrete loop is the best black blog! not only do you guys find a way to incorporate politics, gossip and fashion without compromising any of your coverage, but you also shed light on amazing individuals in the black diaspora. first you write about aime cesaire which is incredible in and of itself and now fela who is one of the most influential nigerians to have lived. i commend you on informing those of us in the states about what other black people in the world are thinking about or listening to and how we can begin to open dialogue with one another about how we as a black people can unite and strengthen one another.
as a nigerian, fela makes me extremely proud and i’m happy he’s getting some light on him again.
excellent musician. he’s one of my biggest influences. thanks for the post j. dakar!
First let me give props to CL for posting this. NAIJA R E P R E S E N T !!.. I’m Igbo and to everyone reading this post, it is of the utmost importance that black ppl from America recognize their roots. Hopefully with more posts like this form CL, that will be a reality.
this is official, CL is a damn good site, the best black blog. i feel grateful, as a Nigerian myself, that Africans are also featured in the black history spotlight. Fela was a pioneer. hIS MUSIC helped a lot thru trying times. he was one who made his mark, and Femi, his son, is on his way…to the peak!! NAIJA.
I have to concur with others who say that CL is the absolute best blog out there representing ALL black people – regardless of where you’re originally from and that speaks to not only black people but other races of people as well. You have differentiated this blog by covering all areas of life that concern us as human beings. You do not stoop to the uneccessary negativity that other blogs are poster children for and you deserve recognition for that. May you grow from strength to strength.
Now, as the child of another Nigerian artist (I have to do a shameless plug and maybe you’ll feature him – Laolu Akins, top Nigerian producer and member of Afro-funk band BLO), I was very familiar with Fela because my dad worked with him. I have a couple of cool stories. He is a legend and his legacy is Femi and even Seun his youngest son. He still remains the most popular Nigerian artist in the world and I doubt that he’ll be dethroned anytime soon. Thanks for spotlighting him, for educating those who don’t know him, and for reminding those of us who do about how great he was and that he is a product that Nigeria can be proud of. Peace!
A IGBO KWENU!!!!!
i’m loving this post.. i hope people take time to actually watch the video and learn something new!
Someone turned me onto Fela years ago. I probably didn’t appreciate it then, but after visiting Africa, I certainly do now! CL keep up the good work, you are really evolving into a fantastic place to see all aspects of black culture.
Who do i kiss for putting up this post.
Big up CL for making my day. Fela was a legend and i’m so happy more ppl are getting to see that. Africa Stand Up!!
(F.Y.I-yall can also hear his movie in “The Visitor”–a movie worth seeing)
wowowow…thank you so much CL for recognizing a Nigerian artist..i love ur website so much…..im proud of my people and my county……long live naija
i’m not Yoruba.
i’m Igbo.
but i gotta say…
this guy is a HERO.
Wow, thanks so much girl for this post! I have been an avid reader of your blog and today is extra special because I am Nigerian! I love love Fela’s music and its so nice to see him appreciated this way. Keep doing your thing girl!
Aww..am a Proud Nigerian right now. I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Fela…my dad made us listen to him growing up. he spoke the truth in so many ways. His politically activism has achieved alot for the Nigerian people at large. This brings me to my second point…Why y’all always gotta make it about tribes.. i come here and see igbo kwenu or igbo this. Fela wasn’t Igbo ooo..calm down!!!..lets all unite for ONE Nigeria. I still love all my fellow Naija folks…NIGERIA STAND UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow CL. I am impressed. To view your site today and see a profile on Fela, you have just made my day. Being a Nigerian myself, it is not too often we are portrayed in the positive light in the media. To the average minded American, Nigerians are thought of as scam artists and frauds. So this is very uplifting to see Fela, who in my opinion is one of the greatest musicians to walk the earth, featured on your site today.
I grew up listening to Fela in Nigeria and now his son Femi continues to uphold that musical legacy. With songs like Colonial Mentality, Yellow Fever, Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense, Monday Morning In Lagos – Fela’s music makes my day, any day.
A IGBO KWENU!!!!! Niaja Stand Up!!!
GWAN CL….. I MUST SAY I’M EXTREMELY PROUD OF THIS POST. THANKS FOR HIGHLIGHTING A NIGERIAN LEGEND..
J. Dakar thanks for representing all the Naija visitors across the world. When I think of Fela I just think of my parents playing him in the car singing along and the film School Daze where one of the characters was wearing t-shirt of him, which I desperately wanted after. Teacher don’t teach me nonsense is one of my faves, if you are able to find it, check it out. The man just talks too much sense!
Big up to concreteloop for putting Fela on here he was and still is really big in Africa especially nigeria my family loves him we still bump his music at the nigerian parties.
Thank you CL. You continue to expose me to new elements. I have never heard of him before but as soon as I played part of the first video, i’m hooked as a music lover and also for wanting to know more about this person. Thank You ! Keep up the good work !
I must say I’m proud of CL….I’m from Ghana and I must say Fela was huge there as well…….Big ups to CL.
Fela IS THE TRUTH! Innovative, Funky, Revolutionary!
no one else would make this post…love fela and love you for spreading the knowledge.
Thanks CL for showing love to naija music. CL piece on Fela makes me wanna go to youtube and watch Shina Peters and King Sunny Ade music video.
i want to say how much i appreciate you guys for posting this up. I’m glad that you all can get a sample of a Nigerian Legend. As a Nigerian born chick, i am sooooooooooo happy to see this. He truly is a legend and i’m happy that you guys see him to way. Much love and Nigerian Pride!
Thanks for shining the light on one of the most prolific activists/musicians of our time. Put simply… Fela is THAT DUDE!
very informative
One of the best, if not the best musician of our time. NIGERIA STAND UP!!
I always read the posts on this blog, but I’ve never left a comment…. I am very touched especially today, although I am not Nigerian (I am from RDC – x Zaïre), to know that I can come here every thursday and learn about my people…. nothing gets better than this! Thank you!
i did grow up listening to him cuz im s16, but i kno soo many africans even americans that kno and love dis man. i juss found out he died in ’97, i really thought he died in the ’70s. anyway thnx u CL for this recognition. im a proud nigerian. young americans need to know bout dis man, cuz he damn sure has a influence on hip-hop. NAiJA STAND UP & REP. one love
WOW CL!! Nice job with this post.
as a proud nigerian…he is definitely a legend!
NAIJA STAND UP! Thank you concrete loop!
Concrete Loop is the BEST!!! As a PROUD NIGERIAN I appreciate this post immensely! Not only was Fela a musical genius but also was an intellectual that spoke up for his people. Thanks again for spotlighting such an amazing individual!
o no concreteloop did not put fela on here! lol did not see that coming at all. not many people who aren’t african no about fela. naija stand up!!
You should check out curioustribe.com. We posted about Fela a while back. Thanks for informing the masses.
Very Good Post CL..Insightful….Did anyone notice on the clips. How beautiful our women are….Black is so beautiful………
Naija! I am PROUD to be a Nigerian, and so happy CL decided to post this. I learned alot myself! Thanks J.Dakar!
Fela is the man. My favorite song is Shakara Oloje.
Thanks for this post J Dakar. You are the truth!!!
NAIJA KWENU!
SIERRA LEONE KWENU!
9ja on the loop!! That’s wassup!!! Feels so good to see Fela getting some shine. Can never overshine that dude in my opinion, pure genius!
Yay!!! At least someone other than Nigerians realize Nigeria’s greatness. I’m so proud of my Nigerian heritage. Let’s go Naija!!! Whoo!!
Kwenu!!