Fela Kuti: The Life, Music, and Legacy of Nigeria’s Afrobeat Pioneer

  Introduction Fela Anikulapo Kuti was one of Africa’s most influential musicians, known for pioneering Afrobeat music and using his art as a powerful weapon against oppression. His life was marked by revolutionary music, political activism, clashes with the Nigerian government, and an unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights of the common people. Despite constant persecution, Fela’s impact on music and politics remains legendary. This is the story of his extraordinary life, his battles against tyranny, and his eventual death. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Fela Kuti was born on October 15, 1938 , in Abeokuta, Nigeria , into an influential family. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti , was a well-known activist and feminist, while his father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti , was an educator and clergyman. In the late 1950s, Fela traveled to London, England , to study music at the Trinity College of Music . While in London, he formed his first band, Koola Lobitos , b...