Olufela Ransome-Kuti (also known as Fela Anikulapo Kuti or Fela Kuti) (1938-1997) was a multi-instrumentalist, musician, artiste and activist from Nigeria.
He was described in some circles as Africa’s most challenging and charismatic musical performers. In another journal, he was referred to as a ‘musical and sociopolitical voice of international significance.
Fela was born into a family of activists. His mother was a well-known women’s rights activists (something which took some doing in her time – still a struggle in today’s world). And a reverend for a father.
He had upper middle class upbringing and spent time studying in the United Kingdom then formed his band in the 1970s.
Fela chose to use his music to air his views, which mirrored the views of millions of the downtrodden in Africa, especially his native Nigeria, and he was well-known for some tracks that directly attacked the governments in power. He was severally arrested, put away and tortured in all ways, but his legacy was his music and how his lyrics resonated and still relates with what is going on in parts of Africa.
Fela might have been a single and simple localised Nigerian musician if he hadn’t received global accolades in his time alive and even in death. He has had many documentaries shot in his name, many films and many international musicians have reproduced his songs over time. He was nominated for many international awards and his music still has an impact and recognition all over the world till this day.
Fela was nominated to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, and featured in Sir Paul McCartney’s three-part documentary in which Sir Paul visited the Shrine in Lagos Nigeria and said the music was so enthralling that he wept.
A name that reverberates all over the world, and he is African.
Will he be, to you, a worthy beneficiary of a Pride of Africa Legend Status?
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