The One Who Has Death in His Pocket

 

By Beki Hafsoh

Photo Credit: Gstatic.com

When we talk of legendary artists in Nigeria, the name Fela Anikulapo Kuti is top of the list of those who set their standard, cleared a blocked path with their art and paved the way for other generations after him. His music is art known for not just entertaining but also speaking loudly and metaphorically of the ills of Nigerian society. He was a bold man who stood firm on the ground. The difference between Fela’s music and the music of today is unambiguous. Fela was not only an artist but also a political activist who was known for boldly confronting the actions of the government. His home was always open to the poor, needy and homeless, he was a man who accommodated everyone and you could say his way of life was carpe diem. Fela fought hard against the tyranny of the Nigerian government and the government retaliated by attacking his mother but that did not silence him.

 Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome Kuti popularly known as Fela Anikulapo Kuti was born on the 15 October 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He was a rebel who rocked the nation and was a force of nature whose influence extended far beyond his homeland. Fela as a conscious activist and a nationalist before the independence of Nigeria dropped his colonial name Ransome and went by Anikulapo; the one who has control over death; the one who has death in his pocket. He was born in an upper-middle-class family from Abeokuta. He was the son of one of the most respected feminists in Nigeria, Fumilayo Ransome Kuti. His father, Israel Oludotun Ransome Kuti, was an Anglican minister, school principal and the first president of the Nigerian Union of Teachers. Kuti’s parents were active in anti-colonial Nigeria with his mother leading the Abeokuta Women’s Riots in 1946. Fela was sent to London to study medicine but studied music instead. 

During his time in the UK, he was exposed to the vibrant jazz and funk scenes which later inspired his unique musical style. Upon his return to Nigeria, Fela formed his band, initially playing highlife music, a popular genre at the time. In the early 1970s, Fela began to experiment with a new sound, blending traditional Yoruba music with elements of jazz, funk, and Afrobeat. This innovative fusion, which he dubbed "Afrobeat," became the hallmark of his musical career. Afrobeat was more than just music; it was a vehicle for Fela to express his political and social views, often criticising the corrupt Nigerian government and the oppressive military regimes. His songs often addressed police brutality, corruption, and social injustice. One of his most famous songs, "Zombie," was a scathing critique of the Nigerian military, comparing soldiers to mindless zombies.

Fela's outspoken nature and willingness to challenge authority made him a target of the Nigerian government. He was frequently arrested, beaten, and imprisoned. In 1977, his compound, known as the Kalakuta Republic, was raided by soldiers, who burned it to the ground and assaulted Fela and his followers. Despite these attacks, Fela refused to be silenced. He continued to produce music and perform, using his platform to raise awareness about social and political issues. He formed his political party, the Movement of the People (MOP), and ran for president in 1979. Although unsuccessful, Fela's political activism often put him at odds with the government, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs.

Fela's legacy extends far beyond his music and activism. He was a cultural icon who inspired generations of musicians and activists around the world. His music continues to be celebrated and reinterpreted by artists from various genres. Fela's influence can be heard in the works of artists such as Erykah Badu, Damon Albarn, and David Byrne.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti died of AIDS-related complications on August 2, 1997, at the age of 58 and a million people marched with his coffin. However, his music and his message of social justice live on.

 Fela's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of music to inspire and challenge, and his spirit continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The big artists of this present generation seem not to care about using their art as a way of giving voice to the voiceless or helping those in need even as the country is presently facing hardcore hardship. The bravery of Fela has been unmatched by any Nigerian artiste.