Fela Kuti

Who is Fela Kuti?

Fela Kuti, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in Abeokuta, was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer and political activist who pioneered the genre of Afrobeat. Fusing Yoruba rhythms, highlife, jazz and funk with lengthy, hypnotic grooves and pointed political lyrics, he created a distinctive and internationally influential sound. Sent to London to study medicine, he instead trained in music at Trinity College and returned to build bands including Africa '70 and Egypt '80. He founded a communal compound he declared the independent 'Kalakuta Republic' and performed at his nightclub, the Afrika Shrine. Songs such as 'Zombie', 'Water No Get Enemy' and 'Sorrow Tears and Blood' fiercely criticised Nigeria's military governments and corruption, and he suffered repeated arrests, beatings and the destruction of his compound. Despite persecution, he became one of Africa's most celebrated musicians, and his legacy inspired the Broadway musical Fela!.

Sources: Fela Kuti, Zombie (album, 1976) · Michael Veal, Fela: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon (2000)