Fela Anikulapo Kuti: A legend lost among myth
Everyone loves a heroic tale. That’s a universal truth. But what makes heroes so lovable? The characters in the stories and even you, the reader, may go ahead to agree that it is not the sense of righteousness, shiny accolades, or even their personalities. What then stands out is their bravery. Characteristically, the bravery of a hero baffles ordinary people. From stories where the prince slays a dragon, Mandela willingly serving time for his country’s independence, or Martin Luther King Jr. speaking out against a whole country and its way of life, It’s all primarily crazy; it’s a breath-taking spectacle.
When the rest of the world was alternating between disco, rock, R&B, funk and soul music, Apollo 13 launching and the Beatles were splitting up. In a tiny corner called Nigeria, one man, a musical prodigy, was using his talent and unique ability to compose music to fan the flames of passion for true independence in his country, Nigeria.
He was Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the ‘Abami Eda', which in Yoruba translates to ‘the weird one’. His title, father of Afrobeat’s, is barely enough to explain his genius in music. Especially since till date, Fela’s music moves hearts and bodies; and his story and rumors fill the conversations of music enthusiasts, Nigerian teens and his international audience.
On a trip home, I was privileged to listen to a lot of Fela’s music. Yellow Fever, Zombie, Upside down, Coffin for the HOS and other songs. Of course I went to find them on Spotify… and more. I'm listening to his music and I’m lost for words. If he wasn’t speaking against the government, then he deserved a public holiday named after him, that’s the conclusion I’ve reached.
Fela’s music is, in many ways, ahead of its time. His music is exciting, electrifying, its alive. Before the words, there’s a rich and immersive music experience, and all you need to do is savor it. its so delectable! Yes flavorful. the kind of flavor that only local African dishes provide, to excite your taste buds. Each instrument played its role to peak performance, then the man combined these layers and created magic in the form of his music.
I challenge you to listen to his music without losing your body to the fluency of the saxophone, the tapping of drums, the keyboard solo or even just the back-up vocals.
Wikipedia recognizes Fela as a composer; that couldn’t be more right. Fela’s made music that speaks; it still does. Even before he begins to speak, there’s a whole message; there’s a reason for everything. I personally find it crazy. His songs usually begin with long instrumentals, much like jazz, and I can't phrase it any better than the music talks to you.
Before the lyrics come on, the blend of instruments has a story to tell you.
His lyrics will definitely be considered brash or offensive to some, especially in our more sensitive generation. Well, when you recognize that his words were illegal in his generation, it makes his Abani Eda title kind of funny—music ahead of its time that doesn’t fit into any timeline — truly a weird one.
Fela’s words feel like weapons—weapons in Pidgin English. Given that his enemy was a military dictatorship, his words were his weapon. Spears, arrows, and bullets were aimed at the then-military government. He spoke free from any sort of flattery or cushioning. He called names so no one was unsure if it was them; he was a funny guy. Now that’s the kind of crazy and baffling Bravery that just makes all heroes all the more worth talking about.
He recognized the power his voice carried and spoke his truth—as some will say—with his full chest. Fela the son of an activist, and he himself the founder of the activist group “Kalakuta Republic.” ‘Kalakuta’ coined in mockery of the Calcutta prison where Fela spent 20 months. Well it was mainly his compound, with his family and band but it was his declaration against the government. It was such a strong declaration that the government felt a need to burn it down. He was news then and he is news now. I mean, he is Fela.
He is still talked about. I grew up hearing stories among my pair groups and few adults about this legend. Just a few days ago, I was in a car where a 40-year-old was enjoying and basking in Fela’s glory. Its sad that the tales of this legend are drowned in many rumors. Its sad that he wasn't remembered for all he really did. Its a wonder why his book hasn't spread to more people. I think it would have been an amazing read.
In retrospect, it makes sense that many Nigerian music enthusiasts hoped for Burna Boy to be like the second coming of Fela. Music-wise, he kind of fits the profile. Fela created Afro-beats by mixing African beats with Funk and Jazz. Burna Boy created Afro-fusion. It sounded like their mindsets were alike: Fela was passionate about his country, and Burna songs speak about my country people, and speaking out against agreeing to oppression.
At the end of the day, I think it was the romanticization of a hero. It was that we heard these amazing stories from our parents and their parents, or maybe even experienced the “Golden Days” for a moment, got electrocuted by the wonders of his music, and now just wish for something similar in our time. Someone who can move our hearts, minds, and bodies in the same rhythm for the same cause. Someone who was different from the societal norm, an ‘Abami Eda.’
