FELA KUTI
Known as Fela Kuti, Fela Anikulapo Kuti is a Nigerian born musician who made waves for his nonconformity, ideals and radical character. Born on the 15th of October 1938, Fela was a musician, composer, multi-instrumentalist, human right activist and political unorthodox. Known as the pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela enjoyed a stunning popularity through his music. He was also a human rights activist and Pan Africanist who faced many issues with Nigerian politicians and law due to the fact that he was confident in speaking his mind either through music or random conversations. He had a band called the Afrika ’70, a nightclub in the Empire Hotel called The Afrika Shrine and he set up the Kalakuta Republic which was his music studio. He made the decision to sing in Pidgin music. Fela Kuti and his music is a huge influence on creatives all over the world. The music festival in Nigeria, Felabration, is in his honour and it’s one the biggest music festivals in Africa. He died on the 2nd of August 1997. Some of his popular songs include Lady and Zombie.
