This is an over simplified thought experiment, but if we could mix Bob Marley with Jimi Hendrix, raise him in Africa, not Jamaica or the U.S., give him a saxophone instead of the guitar, and radicalize him a bit more through several educational mediums throughout the 60s and 70s, he would be Fela Kuti. Today marks Fela Kuti’s 82nd Birthday.
Fela Kuti was a Nigeria-born band leader and political activist that got his message out through music. His style was so unique that he is known as the originator of the genera, “Afrobeat”, a derivative of “Highlife” from Ghana.
Fela believed that “the role of the artist is to reflect what’s happening in the environment…” and that he “had no use for party tunes and love songs” as an artist wanting to challenge unjust authority. Fela was the voice of the culturally oppressed Africans, who’s native culture was being overshadowed by European (British) standards and ideals. Through his music, he challenged African people to re-evaluate their cultural ideologies through his cocktail of potent instrumentals as the medium mixed with aggressive, no-BS, critique in which he denounced brutality, corruption, apathy, fear, and colonialism. In his music, you can tell he has African’s in mind, but the messages and themes are pervasive and speak to the plight of all oppressed peoples and to systems of oppression throughout the globe (even today).
Fela is important because his words and message shifted and continues shift the consciousness of people everywhere by simply pointing out what should be obvious and challenging ideologies through his incredible music. He is a really interesting guy that you should read about. Jon Pareles from the NY times has provided a good summary and playlist (link Below). Enjoy.
https://www.nytimes.com/.../fela-kuti-afrobeat-playlist.html
Salute,
GAO