Fela Kuti: The Legend Who Saw Tomorrow

“It is not how long we live that matters, but how well, and fulfilling.” -Dr. Dora Akunyili

This statement by Dr. Akunyili holds forte for any person who has left their footprints on the sand of time. I was three years old when Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti died. Understandably, I could not have grasped who he was when his death was announced on the 3rd of August, 1997.

His brother and former minister of health, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti announced that Fela, as he is fondly called, died a day earlier. August 2, 2020 marked the 23rd death anniversary of Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

His life has often been a thread for discussion over the years. The reason was because of his defiance and decision to voice his thoughts when he was alive. It was hard for Fela to be cowed as he spoke against social injustice. Besides, he was the fearless one.

It takes a man of courage and dignity to speak against a sitting government. Fela was a fierce activist who used his songs to attack the ills of society. However, the government was more at the receiving end.

The words of the ‘Water no get enemy’’ and “Suffering and Smiling” singer bore truth. Often, condemned the selfish acts of Nigerian politicians. He also prophesied the damage that will happen in the future if Nigerian politicians continue to loot the nation’s treasury.

SUFFERING AND SMILING (1977)

Fela describes the life of the average Nigerian who is constantly suffering, but smiling through the pain, believing in the rewards that await them in the afterlife due to the teachings of religious leaders, who themselves live the most lavish lives. pic.twitter.com/4YmXkVkAP7

— Felabration (@FelabrationNG) June 8, 2020

Fela Speaks, Soldiers Burn down the Kalatuta Republic; Buhari Imprisons Him

In 1977, Fela and his band released an album, “Zombie” which was a deliberate attack on the Nigerian military. Also, it showed the manner at which the Nigerian soldiers handle issues. Fela sang, ‘’zombie no go walk except you tell am… Zombie no go talk unless you tell am….Zombie o zombie…’’ The song was an imitation of how soldiers behaved to their superiors.

Also Read: Nigerians: A Resilient People Striving On Hope

The success of the album infuriated the government of the then-Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo. Reportedly, one thousand soldiers went to the Kalatuta Republic on February 18, 1978, with a mission to cause damage.

The soldiers dealt with the musician mercilessly. His master tapes, instruments, and other valuables in the studio were equally damaged. Likewise, his elderly mother, Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti was thrown off the window. The house, known as the Kalatuta Republic, was eventually burnt down.

However, Fela was not deterred as he pushed forth his cause into the 1980s, attacking the government of General Muhammadu Buhari. The musician ridiculed the person of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in his songs. He called him un-nice names.

Afterward, Fela was jailed by the government on account of currency smuggling, although, prominent bodies saw his arrest as politically influenced. Human rights groups fought for his release and he regained his freedom 20 months after, by General Ibrahim Babangida.

Fela’s Music, Felabration, and the New Afrika Shrine

‘’Imagine Che Guevara and Bob Marley rolled into one person and you get a sense of Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti.’’ -Herald Sun, February 2011.

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Reposted from @afrikashrine TODAY IN HISTORY :FELA ANIKULAPO-KUTI JOINS THE REALMS OF OUR ANCESTORS. OCTOBER 15, 1938 – AUGUST 2, 1997 ".. He left a legacy that has lived on and survived for decades with his songs maintaining their relevance today and his children pushing his signature activism through music as perfected by their father. Fela Kuti has lived up to his adopted middle name “Anikulapo” which means “He who carries death in his pouch”, with the interpretation: “I will be the master of my own destiny and will decide when it is time for death to take me”. Like a prophecy, he has never been forgotten and his name is still mentioned each year with events to commemorate his life and legacy. #FELALIVES #ANCESTORS #ANIKULAPOKUTI #UNITEDWESTAND #DIVIDEDWEFALL #AFRIKAMUSTUNITE – #regrann

A post shared by Felabration (@felabrationng) on Aug 1, 2020 at 10:27pm PDT

The late Afrobeat king was a strong force in the Nigerian music scene in the ’70s and ’80s. His songs vehemently condemned the authoritarian government of Gen. Buhari. One of his songs, “Beast of No Nation” was characterized by crass vituperations against the person of the then military leader.

Usually, Fela’s songs were in pidgin English and they were lengthy too. Many years have gone by, but we still remember Fela and his messages of old. Likewise, how he prophesied the consequences of the selfish attitude of some of our leaders.

Furthermore, beyond being a “troublemaker” of government, Fela used his songs to promote peace among Africans. Openly, he supported African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso whom he shares the same birth date with.

Felabration was conceived by Yeni Kuti, the first child of the Afrobeat king. It is a music festival that is aimed at celebrating the memory of her late father, annually. Felabration is held during the week of Fela’s birth at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja. Also, Yeni Kuti is the co-host of television breakfast show Your View on Television Continental (TVC).

Fela’s oldest son, Femi Kuti is also in the business of promoting the legacy of his late father. Seun Kuti, the youngest son undoubtedly is not left out. Presently, he runs the Egypt 80 band. With the efforts of his children altogether, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Abami Eda himself, lives on.