Fela Kuti
Fela is a man of contradictions. That's why he's so intriguing. People who love him will forgive his bad sides.
His songs are usually 20 minutes long or longer, and sung in a slurred Pidgin English that is almost incomprehensible. His music is influenced by Christian hymns and jazz, classical music, Yoruba music, chant, and horn-and-guitar heavy highlife.
He was a musician
fela case settlements Kuti embodied that music can be a tool to transform the world. His music was used to advocate for political, social and economic change. His influence is still present today. Afrobeat is a form of music that blends African and Western influences. Its roots are in West-African high-life music and funk however, it has developed into its own genre.
His political activism was fierce and frightened. He made use of his music to speak out against corruption in government and human rights violations. Songs like "Zombie", "Coffin for the State Head" and others were shrewd criticisms of Nigeria's government. He also referred to Kalakuta as a venue to connect with like-minded individuals and to promote political activism.
The play includes a large portrait of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who was a prominent activist and feminist pioneer. Shantel Cribbs portrays her and she does an excellent job of capturing the importance she played in Fela's life. The play also highlights her political activism. Despite her deteriorating health she refused to be checked for AIDS and instead chose traditional treatments.
He was a singer
Fela Ransome-Kuti was a complex man who used his music to effect political change. He is known for creating afrobeat - a fusion of funk and dirty African rhythms. He was also a relentless critic of Nigeria's political and religious leaders.
Growing up with an anti-colonial suffragist mother and a feminist father, it's not a surprise that Fela was a fan of political and social commentary. His parents wanted him to become medical doctor but he had different plans.
While he started in a more apolitical, highlife style, a trip to America would change his outlook forever. Exposure to Black political movements and leaders such as Malcolm X and Eldridge Cleaver would have a profound impact on his music. He adopted a philosophy of Pan-Africanism, which would inform and guide his later work.
He was a writer.
Fela met Black Power activists such as Stokely Carmichael, and Malcolm X while in the United States. The experiences inspired him to establish an activist movement known as the Movement of the People, and to write songs that reflected his ideas about black activism and political consciousness. His philosophies were expressed in public through the method of yabis, which is a form of public speaking is referred to as "freedom of expression". He also began to impose an ethical code on his band. This included refusing to accept medication from Western-trained medical professionals.
After his return to Nigeria Fela began to build his own club, the Shrine in Ikeja. The raids by officers and police were almost constant. His Mosholashi-Idi Oro hangers repopulated the area surrounding the club with drugs of all kinds, especially "bana" and "yamuna" (heroin). However, Fela was a man of uncompromising integrity. His music speaks to his determination to challenge authority and demanding that the popular goals are manifested in official goals. It is an influence that will last for generations.
He was a poet
In his music, Fela used light-hearted sarcasm to discuss political and economic issues in Nigeria. He also made fun of his audience, the government, and even himself. During these shows, he would refer to himself as "the big dick in the pond with a little." These jokes were not viewed lightly by the authorities and he suffered repeated arrests, imprisonments and beatings at the hands of the authorities. He eventually renamed himself Anikulapo, meaning "he is carrying death in his pocket."
In 1977, Fela released a song called "Zombie" in which he contrasted soldiers with brainless zombies that followed orders without asking questions. The military was offended by the song who seized the Kalakuta Republic, burning it down and beating its inhabitants. In the course of the raid, Fela's mother was thrown out of her second-floor window.
In the decades following the independence of Nigeria, Fela created Afrobeat, a genre of music that combined jazz with native African rhythm. His songs criticised European cultural imperialism and defended African traditional traditions and religions. He also criticized fellow Africans who sabotaged their nation's traditions. He emphasized the importance of human rights and freedom.
He was an artist of hip-hop.
A trumpeter, saxophonist and composer and pioneer of the Afrobeat genre, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was born in 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He was influenced by rock, jazz, and roll, as well as traditional African music, chants, and music. After an excursion to the United States in 1969, Fela met Sandra Smith, an activist from the Black Power movement, and her ideas impacted his work in a profound way.
Fela's music became a political instrument upon his return to Nigeria. He criticized the government in his home country and insisted that African culture should not be diluted by Western sensibilities. He also wrote about human rights violations and social injustices. rights abuses. He was repeatedly detained for his criticism of the military.
Fela also openly advocated the use of marijuana, referred to as "igbo" in Africa. He also held "yabis" (public discussions) at Afrika Shrine where he would mock government officials and express his views on the freedom of expression as well as the beauty of women's bodies. Fela had a harem, an ensemble of young women who performed at his shows as well as backed his vocally.
He was a dancer
Fela was a master of musical fusion. He incorporated elements from beat music, and highlife to create his own distinct style. He was a renowned African musician and a vocal critic of colonial rule.
Despite being arrested and tortured by the Nigerian military junta and seeing his mother killed, Fela refused to leave the country. He died from complications due to AIDS in 1997.
Fela was a political activist who was critical of the oppressive Nigerian government and supported the principles of Pan Africanism. His albums such as 1973's Gentleman focused on fighting oppression from both government bodies and colonial parties. He also pushed for black power and criticized Christianity and Islam as non-African imports, which have been used to divide the people of Africa. The title track on the album from 1978, Shuffering and Shmiling, describes the over-crammed public busses full of poor people "shuffering and shmiling." Fela was a strong opponent of hypocrisy in religion. His dancers were an excellent match for his music. They were sensual, vibrant, and regal. Their contributions to the performances were as significant as the words Fela used.
He was a political militant
Fela Kuti used music as a way to challenge oppressive authorities. He made use of his knowledge of American jazz and funk towards African styles and rhythms, resulting in a sound that is braced for a fight. Most of his songs start as slow instrumentals, gradually adding little riffs and long-lined melodies until they explode in a flash of vigor.
Fela was, unlike many artists who were afraid to speak about their politics was unflinching and uncompromising. He stood up for his beliefs even when it was risky to do so. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti was a feminist who was the leader of the Nigerian Women's Movement. His father was both a protestant minister, and the president of the teachers union.
He also established Kalakuta Republic, a commune and recording studio that was an emblem of resistance. The government seized the commune, degrading the property and injured Fela severely. He refused to give up and continued to speak out against the government. He passed away from complications of AIDS in 1997. His son Femi continues to carry on his musical and political legacy.
He was a father
Music is often seen by many as a political act. Artists use lyrics to call for change. However, some of the most powerful musical protests don't use words in any way. Fela Kuti was one such artist and his music is still ringing out today. He was the founder of Afrobeat music, which blends traditional African rhythms and harmony with jazz and hip-hop that was inspired by artists like James Brown.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Fela's maternal grandmother was a militant and unionist who fought against colonialism. She helped form the Abeokuta Women's Union and fought against gender-discriminatory taxation laws. She also studied Marxism and believed Nigeria should serve its whole population.
Seun Fela's Son is carrying the legacy of his father with a group dubbed Egypt 80. The band will be touring the globe this year. The music of Egypt 80 combines the sounds of Fela and a scathing critique of power structures that still exist today. The new album, Black Times, will be released in March. A large number of fans attended the funeral in Tafawa Balewa square. The crowd was so huge that police had to block the entrance to the location.
Fela is a man of contradictions. That's why he's so intriguing. People who love him will forgive his bad sides.
His songs are usually 20 minutes long or longer, and sung in a slurred Pidgin English that is almost incomprehensible. His music is influenced by Christian hymns and jazz, classical music, Yoruba music, chant, and horn-and-guitar heavy highlife.
He was a musician
fela case settlements Kuti embodied that music can be a tool to transform the world. His music was used to advocate for political, social and economic change. His influence is still present today. Afrobeat is a form of music that blends African and Western influences. Its roots are in West-African high-life music and funk however, it has developed into its own genre.
His political activism was fierce and frightened. He made use of his music to speak out against corruption in government and human rights violations. Songs like "Zombie", "Coffin for the State Head" and others were shrewd criticisms of Nigeria's government. He also referred to Kalakuta as a venue to connect with like-minded individuals and to promote political activism.
The play includes a large portrait of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who was a prominent activist and feminist pioneer. Shantel Cribbs portrays her and she does an excellent job of capturing the importance she played in Fela's life. The play also highlights her political activism. Despite her deteriorating health she refused to be checked for AIDS and instead chose traditional treatments.
He was a singer
Fela Ransome-Kuti was a complex man who used his music to effect political change. He is known for creating afrobeat - a fusion of funk and dirty African rhythms. He was also a relentless critic of Nigeria's political and religious leaders.
Growing up with an anti-colonial suffragist mother and a feminist father, it's not a surprise that Fela was a fan of political and social commentary. His parents wanted him to become medical doctor but he had different plans.
While he started in a more apolitical, highlife style, a trip to America would change his outlook forever. Exposure to Black political movements and leaders such as Malcolm X and Eldridge Cleaver would have a profound impact on his music. He adopted a philosophy of Pan-Africanism, which would inform and guide his later work.
He was a writer.
Fela met Black Power activists such as Stokely Carmichael, and Malcolm X while in the United States. The experiences inspired him to establish an activist movement known as the Movement of the People, and to write songs that reflected his ideas about black activism and political consciousness. His philosophies were expressed in public through the method of yabis, which is a form of public speaking is referred to as "freedom of expression". He also began to impose an ethical code on his band. This included refusing to accept medication from Western-trained medical professionals.
After his return to Nigeria Fela began to build his own club, the Shrine in Ikeja. The raids by officers and police were almost constant. His Mosholashi-Idi Oro hangers repopulated the area surrounding the club with drugs of all kinds, especially "bana" and "yamuna" (heroin). However, Fela was a man of uncompromising integrity. His music speaks to his determination to challenge authority and demanding that the popular goals are manifested in official goals. It is an influence that will last for generations.
He was a poet
In his music, Fela used light-hearted sarcasm to discuss political and economic issues in Nigeria. He also made fun of his audience, the government, and even himself. During these shows, he would refer to himself as "the big dick in the pond with a little." These jokes were not viewed lightly by the authorities and he suffered repeated arrests, imprisonments and beatings at the hands of the authorities. He eventually renamed himself Anikulapo, meaning "he is carrying death in his pocket."
In 1977, Fela released a song called "Zombie" in which he contrasted soldiers with brainless zombies that followed orders without asking questions. The military was offended by the song who seized the Kalakuta Republic, burning it down and beating its inhabitants. In the course of the raid, Fela's mother was thrown out of her second-floor window.
In the decades following the independence of Nigeria, Fela created Afrobeat, a genre of music that combined jazz with native African rhythm. His songs criticised European cultural imperialism and defended African traditional traditions and religions. He also criticized fellow Africans who sabotaged their nation's traditions. He emphasized the importance of human rights and freedom.
He was an artist of hip-hop.
A trumpeter, saxophonist and composer and pioneer of the Afrobeat genre, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was born in 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He was influenced by rock, jazz, and roll, as well as traditional African music, chants, and music. After an excursion to the United States in 1969, Fela met Sandra Smith, an activist from the Black Power movement, and her ideas impacted his work in a profound way.
Fela's music became a political instrument upon his return to Nigeria. He criticized the government in his home country and insisted that African culture should not be diluted by Western sensibilities. He also wrote about human rights violations and social injustices. rights abuses. He was repeatedly detained for his criticism of the military.
Fela also openly advocated the use of marijuana, referred to as "igbo" in Africa. He also held "yabis" (public discussions) at Afrika Shrine where he would mock government officials and express his views on the freedom of expression as well as the beauty of women's bodies. Fela had a harem, an ensemble of young women who performed at his shows as well as backed his vocally.
He was a dancer
Fela was a master of musical fusion. He incorporated elements from beat music, and highlife to create his own distinct style. He was a renowned African musician and a vocal critic of colonial rule.
Despite being arrested and tortured by the Nigerian military junta and seeing his mother killed, Fela refused to leave the country. He died from complications due to AIDS in 1997.
Fela was a political activist who was critical of the oppressive Nigerian government and supported the principles of Pan Africanism. His albums such as 1973's Gentleman focused on fighting oppression from both government bodies and colonial parties. He also pushed for black power and criticized Christianity and Islam as non-African imports, which have been used to divide the people of Africa. The title track on the album from 1978, Shuffering and Shmiling, describes the over-crammed public busses full of poor people "shuffering and shmiling." Fela was a strong opponent of hypocrisy in religion. His dancers were an excellent match for his music. They were sensual, vibrant, and regal. Their contributions to the performances were as significant as the words Fela used.
He was a political militant
Fela Kuti used music as a way to challenge oppressive authorities. He made use of his knowledge of American jazz and funk towards African styles and rhythms, resulting in a sound that is braced for a fight. Most of his songs start as slow instrumentals, gradually adding little riffs and long-lined melodies until they explode in a flash of vigor.
Fela was, unlike many artists who were afraid to speak about their politics was unflinching and uncompromising. He stood up for his beliefs even when it was risky to do so. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti was a feminist who was the leader of the Nigerian Women's Movement. His father was both a protestant minister, and the president of the teachers union.
He also established Kalakuta Republic, a commune and recording studio that was an emblem of resistance. The government seized the commune, degrading the property and injured Fela severely. He refused to give up and continued to speak out against the government. He passed away from complications of AIDS in 1997. His son Femi continues to carry on his musical and political legacy.
He was a father
Music is often seen by many as a political act. Artists use lyrics to call for change. However, some of the most powerful musical protests don't use words in any way. Fela Kuti was one such artist and his music is still ringing out today. He was the founder of Afrobeat music, which blends traditional African rhythms and harmony with jazz and hip-hop that was inspired by artists like James Brown.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Fela's maternal grandmother was a militant and unionist who fought against colonialism. She helped form the Abeokuta Women's Union and fought against gender-discriminatory taxation laws. She also studied Marxism and believed Nigeria should serve its whole population.
Seun Fela's Son is carrying the legacy of his father with a group dubbed Egypt 80. The band will be touring the globe this year. The music of Egypt 80 combines the sounds of Fela and a scathing critique of power structures that still exist today. The new album, Black Times, will be released in March. A large number of fans attended the funeral in Tafawa Balewa square. The crowd was so huge that police had to block the entrance to the location.