26 years on: Remembering the legacy of Afrobeats pioneer, Fela Kuti

Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, known for his colorful personality, musical prowess, and involvement in post-colonial African politics, is credited with creating the original Afrobeats sound.

Fela was first “seduced by the fertile African jazz scene” in London, where he studied medicine in the 1960s. He was born into a powerful Yoruba family that was active in anti-colonial activistivism.

Even though he gave up his education and moved back to Nigeria to pursue a career in music, it took almost ten years before his band began to see success.

Their classic albums from the 1970s had a big influence on Nigerian music before becoming well-known worldwide.

Fela Kuti is currently regarded as one of the world’s most influential musicians. The ’69 Los Angeles Sessions, Best of the Black President, Expensive Shit, Live!, Zombie, and The Underground Spiritual Game are still among his most well-liked albums.

The Black Panther movement served as an inspiration for Fela Kuti’s music, which featured proverbs from Nigeria and social and political commentary in the lyrics.

Fela Kuti used them to ridicule and denounce the then-existing military regime in Nigeria.

Through his music, Fela urged Nigerians to reclaim their independence and self-pride in keeping with the widespread African movement toward colonial independence.

The duration of his expertly composed and ecstatic songs—some of which extend up to 30 minutes on the recordings or even 45 minutes when performed live—is another important aspect of his music.

Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Seun Kuti, Kunle Kuti, Motunrayo Anikulapo Kuti, Sola Anikulapo-Kuti, and Omosalewa Anikulapo are the seven children that Fela Kuti left behind.

According to reports the legendary singer died as a result of heart failure.

While there have been assertions that Fela Kuti received a number of awards while he was alive, his son, Seun Kuti who succeeded the legend’s music career has refuted such claims.

According to Seun Kuti, his father was never honoured while he was alive neither did he receive any award.

Seun stated that Fela’s award cabinet was empty and it was after his death that he began receiving awards.

He disclosed this while receiving a posthumous award on behalf of his father from the SIGMA club during their 70th anniversary.