Fela Anikulapo Kuti

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.