Fela Kuti

Date of Birth: October 15, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: August 2, 1997

Biography

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer, political activist, and pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre. He was born on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Fela was a charismatic performer known for his energetic stage presence and his music, which blended traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, highlife, and psychedelic rock. His lyrics often addressed social and political issues, criticizing government corruption and human rights abuses in Nigeria. Fela studied music at the Trinity College of Music in London during the late 1950s. Upon returning to Nigeria, he formed the band Koola Lobitos, which later evolved into the famous Africa ’70 and eventually Egypt ’80. His music and activism earned him a large following, but also numerous arrests and conflicts with the Nigerian authorities. Fela’s commune, the Kalakuta Republic, which included a recording studio, was often raided by the police. Despite the frequent harassment, Fela remained defiant, using his platform to speak out against oppression. He ran for the presidency of Nigeria in 1979 but was disqualified. Fela’s influence extends beyond music into the realms of culture and politics, making him a symbol of resistance and a voice for the oppressed.

5 Interesting Facts about Fela Kuti

1. Fela Kuti coined the term “Afrobeat” to describe his unique blend of traditional African music with jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock.

2. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a prominent feminist and anti-colonial activist.

3. Fela married 27 women in a single ceremony in 1978, who were all members of his band and his commune, although he later divorced them.

4. He ran for the presidency of Nigeria in 1979 under the banner of his own party, Movement of the People (MOP).

5. Fela’s life and music were the subject of a Broadway musical titled “Fela!” which was produced by Jay-Z and Will Smith.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Fela Kuti

1. “Music is the weapon of the future.”

2. “My people are scared of the air around them, they always have an excuse not to fight for freedom.”

3. “To be spiritual is not by praying and going to church. Spiritualism is the understanding of the universe so that it can be a better place to live in.”

4. “I refuse to live my life in fear.”

5. “The secret of life is to have no fear.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Fela Kuti’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Fela Kuti had at least seven children, including Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti, who have both followed in their father’s footsteps as musicians and continue to carry on his musical legacy.