Contents
Fela Kuti
Pioneering Afrobeat and turning extended songs into attacks on political corruption.
Zombie · Sorrow Tears and Blood
- Born
- 15 October 1938
- Birthplace
- Abeokuta, Nigeria
- Died
- 2 August 1997
More people
Fela Kuti
A Nigerian bandleader and multi-instrumentalist whose music joined West African rhythms, jazz and funk. His public opposition to military rule brought repeated confrontations with the authorities.
Early life
An activist family
His mother was women’s-rights organiser Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti; his father was an educator and minister.
London studies
Studied music in London and formed the band Koola Lobitos.
Career
- 1958–1960s
Musical beginnings
Developed his bandleading and instrumental work in London and Nigeria.
- 1970s
Africa ’70
Built the Afrobeat sound with musicians including drummer Tony Allen.
- 1977
Army raid
Soldiers attacked his Kalakuta compound after years of confrontation.
- 1980s–1990s
Egypt ’80
Continued recording and performing with his later band.
Selected work
Zombie
A satirical attack on unquestioning military obedience.
Sorrow Tears and Blood
A reflection on state violence and fear.
Beasts of No Nation
An extended critique of political power.
Beyond music
Political organising
Founded the Movement of the People and opposed Nigeria’s military governments.
Family and legacy
His sons Femi and Seun became musicians; his mother died in 1978 after injuries from the 1977 raid.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Distributed by Celluloid Records. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
