Artist Spotlight - Fela Kuti, The Legend
How does one see a star that burned so bright? You don't, you listen.
FELA KUTI
His name inspires awe amongst fellow musicians and the public alike. Fela Anikulapo Kuti, otherwise know as Fela Kuti (or just Fela), has been credited with the invention of the Afrobeat genre, which is synonymous with Africa, in particular, Nigeria, and has subsequently been a huge influence on scores of musicians as time went by.
While taking nothing away from Fela himself, it must also be noted that the drummer who joined his band, Tony Allen, with his unique take on rhythm, was integral in forming this new genre with him.
source:
Tony Allen & Fela with the band, Africa 70
BEFORE THE RISE
Fela was born in 1938 to a feminist activist mother and a reverend father in a relatively well-to-do family, which afforded him the opportunity to study music at the Trinity College of Music in London. Although he was originally focused on the trumpet as his main instrument at Trinity College, much of his success could also be attributed to his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist on keyboards, trumpet, saxophone, and percussion, as this afforded him a greater understanding of the "bigger picture" that he was working towards musically. While in the UK, he started a band called Koola Lobitos. One can very much hear the beginning of the Afrobeat sound developing in this earlier material as Fela mixed highlife and jazz.
He was an innovator, a man of dreams and passions, and a committed activist.
source:
Album artwork from before Fela dropped the name "Ransome" from his double-barrel last name, as that part of his name had slave origins
WHAT IS AFROBEAT?
Afrobeat was the name of the particular brand of music that formed when African musicians - particularly Fela and his team - in an attempt to distinguish their own style of soul or funk from that of their Amerian counterparts, incorporated elements of some of the local genres, such as highlife and juju, into the sounds of soul, jazz, funk and psychedelic rock. After just a few seconds into any Afrobeat track, it's easy to hear the difference between this "Afro-funk" and a more American funk. The emphasis on vocal chants, the harmonies, the complex and powerful rhythms, and the often politically charged lyric-content all serve to make Afrobeat into a genre unto itself that still carries relevance today.
Water No Get Enemy
To try and get an idea of how much of an impact Fela had on the world - not just the general public, but fellow musicians as well, I've decided to link to this article by OkayAfrica. Here's one clip shared from their site where none other than Sir Paul McCartney talks about and gives his respect to the greatness that was Fela Kuti.
POLITICAL ACTIVISM
It's hard not to talk about music from the 1970's in Africa without mentioning the politics of the African continent at the time. Many countries were still under the yoke of colonial rule or had recently gained independence. Nigeria had gained independence in 1963, but as a very young, independent country, it was still experiencing deep issues, especially after a civil war in 1967 and heavy-handed, oppressive military rule.
During a 1969 tour of the USA, Fela was exposed to the politics and activism of those like Malcolm X and the Black Panther Party. This seemed to form a turning point in his career when it came to what he chose to center his lyrics around, and upon his return to Nigeria, he embarked on a creative war with the government, bravely speaking out about their human rights abuses and terribly corrupt practices.
At the time, Nigeria was ruled by "The Supreme Military Council" (they don't sound nice, do they?) they were in power from 1966 until 1979.
Fela and his band, Afrika 70, wrote and performed about the issues that plagued their country. Probably the most notable confrontation between any government in the world and a single musician was that between Fela and the Nigerian military government. The confrontation came to a boiling point in 1976 when Africa 70 release the track "Zombie", which described the mindset and actions of those mindless souls in the Army.
Zombie no go go, unless you tell am to go (Zombie)
Zombie no go stop, unless you tell am to stop (Zombie)
Zombie no go turn, unless you tell am to turn (Zombie)
Zombie no go think, unless you tell am to think (Zombie)
Tell them to go straight
A joro, jara, joro
No break, no job, no sense
A joro, jara, joro
Tell them to go kill
A joro, jara, joro
The track was a hit across Africa. A track that ridiculed the military, and a proxy attack on the government. They were furious and reciprocated with a force that could only be explained by a guilty and wounded pride.
Sending 1000 soldiers to Fela's Kalakuta compound in a massive show of aggression, they sacked the compound, burnt it down, beat the men and raped the women. His own mother was thrown out of a second story window and died after spending several weeks in a coma.
Think about that for a second. A thousand armed men, sent to teach a lesson to a musician and his followers.
Fela was a hero to so many ordinary people. He was much more than a singer and an entertainer. He attempted to use his fame and the massive voice he had created as a force for good.
He was once quite vocal about running for president and would say that his first act would be to make every citizen a police officer. He said that "Then before a policeman could slap you, he would have to think twice because you're a policeman, too."
After Afrika 70 he formed Egypt 80, which was very much a statement in and of itself that Egypt was a part of Africa. Its little wonder Fela was known as the "Black President".
Fela Kuti and the Egypt 80, live at Zenith, Paris 1984
If you've enjoyed listening to Fela Kuti and are keen to explore some more of the genre, check out some of these artists:
- Femi Kuti
- Ebo Taylor
- Tony Allen
- Seun Kuti
- Mulatu Astatke
- King Sunny Ade
- Manu Dibango
If you want to check out Fela's extensive Discography click the link.
Authored by @heypapalegend
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I Love Fela! I often work to his music, a true love warrior :D
Beautiful work!
Thank you @heypapalegend ✊🏽
Nice concept
One thing about Fela is that he is loved by everyone both old and young. He is a Legend.
The older generation did NOT love Fela they thought of him as "weed" smoker and all the stigmas attached to smoking weed. His having many wives and his own religion did not help his case with the orthodox christian adults then.
Yeah, 27 or so wives may have been a bit excessive. :D
It was a reflection of the stupidity of the society to respect only married women so to ensure his women were respected he married them all. excessive yes, but he always did things to make o political statement.
But he did have his reasons.
But we all know he is a Legend.
Baba 70 is the greatest! Such a fearless man!
Sad most thing he was talking about are still happening.
I wish Nigeria has more musicians like him and not more singing about boobs, yawns, alcohol, cars and so on. And claiming to follow Fela's footstep.
Lol- if you remove these subjects there would be nothing for the musicians to sing. Especially since they stopped singing about "free Mandela" and apartheid way back so its all about the "good life" now
People will say anything for the greens...brvh look deeper,we gat lots of them brvh.real men in the music industry here in nigeria!
Absolutely. We need more real musicians producing music because it comes from the soul and s need to produce, and not just for drugs and women.
Reading your post I could tell this guy became inspiration for other fellow musicians especially in Africa. I’m certain that part of his success were his parents. They could give him all that he needed to explore his amazing talent as a multi-instrumentalist on keyboards and his believes.
I can certainly say that his Afrobeat style is very interesting. It’s a huge honor hearing Paul McCartney talking about FELA KUTI and giving his respect. What an honor. I could tell that FELA KUTI and his band were frustrated with the Nigerian military government. I thing he got this after his mom as a feminist activist. His frustration made them release the track “Zombie” ridiculing the military, and a proxy attack on the government. And the government’s answer?...
Yes I thought about that. The way the government used its corrupt power to teach person who wants a freedom in his country a lesson. Fela is a hero of his country and he will become a legend.
Sad, but inspirational story!
A huge influence on SOOOO many! Thanks for the comment!
Music is good for people's mind, and your posts are very beautiful thanks for sharing
Fela...one of the best that has come from africa. He is a man loved by all and sundry.
Fela married all the 27 ladies that dance for him then, what was his reason? he said he knew no one would want to marry them hence he decided to marry them. He married them all in one day.
He is such a lovely man. it was reported that none of those women suffered while he was alive.
FELA..THE GREATEST ARTIST FROM AFRICA
Haha yes he did. Its so interesting, his thinking behind marrying all those women. I decided not to include the information in the article though as it would have needed a whole different section, and I felt it would have taken away from the message about his music.
Arguably the best musician to ever emerge from this continent(africa). His music is still relevant today as most of his words and sayings in some of his music is still relatable with what is obtained now. He is a prophet . One who saw the ills and the length of the cancer called people in power has infected Nigerians with. He talked the talk and walked the walk. He is ABAMI EDA....... The mystery one.
Bravo! Thanks for the comment :)
nice post
Herperfect singer..ihave no comments for his singer life
He made great impact with his life and skills. His time is up and we are still talking about him. I recommend you make yours count so when you are done someone some where would consider it important to have an opinion on your life.
Do you think there's something wrong with talking about him still? I'm just wondering.
Absolutely not. I just saying lets us make our own lives and gifts count as well
I really was not expecting to be impressed by this write up, but you did a great job. Its not easy to write an article on such a great persanality without leaving out something important.
Haha. Thanks. Yup, it was actually quite daunting. I wanted to do something on Nigeria because some of our readers have been requesting that - especially after my Ghana piece - and was going to write about two artists. It then seemed almost sinful to have another artist on the same write-up as Fela. But, I was still quite nervous doing this. I still got one or two things slightly wrong, which some others have happily pointed out. haha.
you did great
Fela definitely was the man. His music is timeless.
True, as I read this i am trying to figure out my best Fela's song and I do not even have a short list! Do you have a best song?
I can't think of a favourite of mine, either! :D
With a post like this you wish the timespan on Steemit could be longer. Its a shame this would be up for just a few days. Thanks and well done
Amen!
Fela-Kuti is such a great legend.Nice post.
View my pencil work @donnelson
And his legend lives on in Afrobeat!
I love your post, and I resteem it
Hello friend @adsactly, an icon of music this Mr. Fela Kuti, the truth did not know of its existence, it is always good to meet people like this man who has brought great value to music
Great to hear that you could find something new :)
Life is incomplete without music
“I refuse to live my life in fear…The secret to life is to have no fear.”
Great quote :)
😉
Wow! Seeing this post about Fela by adsactly got me thinking... Are the adsactly a team of Nigerian Authors?
Thanks for sharing is very nice music post
music in all times has had a peculiarity of upbringing, in spite of who listens to it
Music to me is like finding my inner self, my soul. It gives me a great joy to see audiences enjoying with me. I have given my heart to singing. When I sing, I can feel romance in everything around me.
Good post
Oh Fela, why we de happy for democracy some they demo de craise. Your name lives on
Am glad to see you talk about this great legend and activist. We missed a lot, the only one who speak to power without fear. I love his music, very prophetic and all what he was saying then is what we Africans re facing today. I celebrate,and i hope we have another Fela in our days again. Nice
He definitely did speak to power without fear! Thanks for the comment, and yes lets hope for another Fela some time soon!
Fela Kuti is one of the old top singers in nigerian artist in west africa. I have upvoted you and followed you to help you succeed, View my pencil work @donnelson and upvote me and follow me lets succeed in steemit community
Nice! Will do!
Thanks, i really appreciate
Fela Kuti was a man of many names during his time and now some called him legend, activist, leader, master e.t.c. he was indeed a legend who used his music to influence and fight against the injustice in his country Nigeria. Up till present day the people of Nigeria still sings his praise. Long live the legend, long live the king.
View my pencil work @donnelson
Great post
Yes fella was a popular nigerian musical artist
Fela, the legendary baba 70 lives on. One of Nigeria's very own speak for the masses without fear, Its difficult to pick my favourite song from him.
Thanks for sharing this
Absolutely correct. If you listen to them its funny to hear the names in his song are still in Political power today.
Yes he is more like a prophet... lol I have some of his songs so whenever I am in the mood I just listen to him. the track "Coffin for head of state" is so sad when sang about killing his mother
That is nothing but food for the spirit ........ Rest on our legendary afro beat star ......
Am so happy that someone out there could cherish my culture and Histiry in the music world, for your info Anikulapo means Someone who has death in his pocket.
Indeed :D
Fela Anikulakpo Kuti, a great musician, i see him as the father of Afro Beat. May your music live forever. Love your post, brings back memories
Reading this made me super proud , fela was beyond a musician. He was a voice for the masses. Man went to jail and still came out to continue is activist. Just Incase you’re planning a trip to Nigeria, there is an annual festival in honor of fela called “felabration”. It’s a week long program that holds at the Afrika shrine. Fela lives on
Nice!!! I'll be sure to put it on my bucket list.
i love your post..Life is incomplete without music.
my dear friend @adsactly..
Music is for the soul... it's use to express or communicate feelings, and basically to connect with the hearts of others.
Great post,very informative and nice to learn about this legend
Precisely.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti was an enigma in the Nigerian Music Industry. Just like Lucky Dube used his Music the advance the freedom movement of South Africa.
Fela on the other hand used his music to express the suffering of the Nigerian people at the time, the incapacitated political structure as well as the corrupt practice of the government.
He did a very good job with his music.
He remains a legend of Nigeria and African music
Sorry and who is Luke Dude? was he a musician, instrumentalist, and political activist too. I do not believe I have heard of him.
I think he means Lucky Dube. Lucky Dube was an incredible South African artist.
Thanks I know Lucky Dube I just did not make the connection. Is he in the same class as Fela?
FELA KUTI has been a wonderful personality.
Thank you for introducing and sharing up the post.
Videos😍
wow very nice singers I love all singers I pray for them
Informative read. Fela reminds me in a way of Eazy E though. Both early legends, and both sadly died of Aids
Happy to read this great blog about Fela!
@adsactly very informative post on FELA. The music has typical African touch and mesmerizing! Great post
Allow me to resteem this post, because I really like it.
Fantastic write-up of an African legend of all times , FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI. Though departed, his works still testify of his greatness. His music is unique and has become a format for the new generation to develop. Any day and at any time I listen to Fela's music, it gives a kind of soul deep joy. Long live Afrobeat, long live Fela.
Very true. Its uncanny how relevant the songs are to events of today
Excellent post keep up the great work
like your post.m a big music supporter.
The Legend!!!
😊☺
@kuti
Fela remains a true legend and his music is always evergreen in our hearts. he was a symbol against oppression, and he spoke against the corrupt government of the day. Lovely piece!
Fela was one brave and aggressive man when it came to Politics and i love that part about him. How he never let anything or anyone intimidate him from saying the truth in his songs
He is a legend