On October 15, 1930, one of Africa’s greatest musical icons, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
His mother, Chief Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, was a foremost feminist and political activist, while his father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was an Anglican minister and school principal.
Fela, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and pioneer of Afrobeat – a fusion of jazz, funk, Highlife and traditional Yoruba rhythms used his music as a weapon against oppression, corruption and military dictatorship.
Beyond music, he was a fearless human rights activist and political maverick. Through his Kalakuta Republic and iconic songs like Zombie, Water No Get Enemy, and Suffering and Smiling, Fela spoke truth to power when many were afraid to speak.
Though he passed on August 2, 1997, his legacy lives on through his music, his sons Femi and Seun Kuti, and the annual Felabration festival held in his honour.
As the world marks his posthumous birthday, his voice remains as relevant as ever — a reminder that music can indeed be a tool for liberation.
