Fela Kuti (1938-1997) created Afrobeat—a fusion of jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional Yoruba music. His songs like "Zombie," "Coffin for Head of State," and "Sorrow, Tears and Blood" critiqued military rule. He established Kalakuta Republic, declaring independence from Nigeria. Despite over 200 police raids, arrests, and his mother's death during a military assault, Fela never compromised. His legacy lives through sons Femi and Seun Kuti, the New Afrika Shrine, and Felabration festivals. The Broadway musical "Fela!" introduced him globally. He died of AIDS complications in 1997, but his music remains a rallying cry for justice.


MUSICAL REVOLUTIONARY:
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti birthed Afrobeat by merging jazz improvisation, highlife horns, funk basslines, and Yoruba chants. His marathon performances at the Afrika Shrine in Lagos became political rallies wrapped in communal catharsis.

FEARLESS ACTIVISM:
Through songs like Zombie, Sorrow Tears & Blood, and International Thief Thief (ITT), Fela exposed military repression, corporate exploitation, and systemic corruption. He declared his commune Kalakuta Republic independent, offering sanctuary to activists until repeated military raids tried to silence him.

GLOBAL INFLUENCE:
Despite over 200 arrests, Fela toured Europe and North America, influencing artists from Tony Allen and Seun Kuti to Beyoncé, Erykah Badu, and Questlove. The Broadway musical Fela! and Felabration festival keep his philosophy alive for new audiences.

LEGACY OF LIBERATION:
The New Afrika Shrine now hosts weekly performances, civic conversations, and political debates. Fela’s archives inform academic studies on resistance, while his children Femi and Seun continue recording socially conscious music. Afrobeat remains a vessel for protest across Africa and the diaspora.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 15 October 1938 in Abeokuta; died 2 August 1997 in Lagos.
- Founded Egypt 80 and Afrika 70 bands; played saxophone, keyboards, and drums.
- Human rights recognition: Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience (multiple campaigns).
- Motto: “Music is the weapon” — art as an instrument of liberation.