Portfolio posts: Fela Kuti

The Musical Legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti


Fela Anikulapo Kuti was an extraordinary musician from Nigeria. He was originally named Olufela
Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti. He was born into the family of a clergyman, Reverend Israel
Oludotun Ransome-Kuti and Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

He was commonly called Fela, born in the ancient town of Abeokuta on 15th October 1938, Fela was
influenced by the artistic and outspoken tendencies of his parents. Fela’s mother was the first Nigerian
woman to drive a car. Fela took after his mother as an advocate of human rights. His father was an
accomplished pianist.

Education and music

Fela travelled to England in 1958. His parents wanted him to study medicine, his brothers became
medical doctors and one of them became a federal minister of health years later in Nigeria. Fela
enrolled in the Trinity College of Music. He got married to his first wife in 1960.

In 1961, Fela began a
band known as the Koola Lobitos.
Fela was able to create a unique genre of African highlife music, because of his meeting with Tony Allen.

Fela returned to Lagos, Nigeria in 1963. He formed a new version of his Koola Lobitos band in Lagos.

Tony Allen was referred to Fela for audition as a drum player and they struck a great musical
relationship. Tony’s drumming set the pace for Fela’s lyrical juices to flow.

Fela’s preferred instrument was the trumpet as a student. He incorporated the saxophone into his
musical creations. He was also a good guitarist.

Creating iconic rhythms

Fela named his style of music Afro-beat. It was a fusion of Jazz, Funk and traditional Yoruba music. Fela
renamed his band ‘Nigeria 70’, while on tour in the United States. He later changed his band name to
Egypt 80, in recognition of the progress and civilization of Egypt as the first point of civilization in human
history.

Influences

The influence of Fela’s parent has been mentioned. Fela was an intelligent man, who was influenced by
the political undertones in the society around him.

Fela was influenced by the works of Malcolm X, and other black nationalists. He often spoke against the government in his songs.

Fela did unconventional things in his lifetime. He started a club, where he would perform known as the
Shrine. He also named the compound in which he had his recording studio as the Kalakuta republic.

Fela venture into politics, though he was not allowed to thrive.
Fela died on the 3rd of August 1997. His children also followed his footsteps and dabbled into music.

He was famed to have married 27 wives at one stage of his life. There is a music festival known as the
“Felabration” held in his honor, hosted by one of his daughters, who is a professional dancer.

As they say, Fela lives on, through Afro-beat.

(Original writing subcontracted to me.)
#Music history

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