Fela Anikulapo Kuti

Born:

Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti; October 15, 1938; Abeokuta, Nigeria

Died:

August 2, 1997; Lagos, Nigeria

Nationality:

Nigerian

Profession(s):

Musician, Composer, Pioneer of Afrobeat, Human Rights Activist, Political Activist

Early Life and Education

• Born into an upper-middle-class family; his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a prominent feminist activist, and his father, Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was an Anglican minister, school principal, and pioneer of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
• Attended Abeokuta Grammar School.
• Initially sent to London in 1958 to study medicine but instead enrolled at Trinity College of Music.

Career and Major Achievements

• Pioneered Afrobeat, a fusion of West African music with American funk, jazz, and soul.
• Formed his first band, Koola Lobitos, in 1961.
• Established the Afrika Shrine, a club that became a focal point for his music and political activism.
• His music and lyrics often criticized the Nigerian government and addressed issues of corruption, oppression, and social injustice.
• Frequently arrested and imprisoned for his political activities and outspoken views.
• Ran for president of Nigeria several times, though his campaigns were largely symbolic.

Notable Works

Discography (Selected)

Legacy and Impact

Fela Anikulapo Kuti remains a towering figure in African music and a symbol of resistance against political oppression. His creation of Afrobeat had a profound influence on music worldwide and continues to inspire artists today. In remembering Fela Anikulapo Kuti, biography albums in 2016 and prior years highlight his enduring impact.

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