Fela Kuti: Musician and Activist who caused "Trouble" in Nigeria

[@diboymashesha]

Was born in post apartheid South Africa school and television doesn't teach us about such heroes and did so much even for our country, what a son of the continent thank you for the insightful content let's keep the fire burning whoever reads this

[@clarenceonyekwere5428]

Lots of Nigerian govt and opposition figures made a point to call for an end to apartheid and supported how they could. They called on the public who also supported where possible. Support included financials, providing Asylum for key anti-apartheid figures etc. It’s one of the cases where Nigeria actually played it’s Giant of Africa role as everyone could get behind the cause.

[@lordglaesgaroth596]

Actually it did before the ruling party ruined the whole country there was a two hour doccie which was doing rounds in the three national channels SABC 123 before they became a proper propaganda machine and useless. They want your generation not to know the truth about standing for your rights and Pan-Africanism

[@lordglaesgaroth596]

Your generation is lazy that’s all

[@fiziparadise7808]

I love hearing African history narrated by an African with African accent - I am proud of you my brother! Respect from Congo🇨🇩

[@adewaleibraheem3974]

What difference does it make if it's an Australian, English or American facts? Next thing, it has to be a Nigerian accent? As long as it's factual.

[@innocento.1552]

@@adewaleibraheem3974 why are you complaining? It is his preference whether you like it or not. So also you have your preference.

[@adewaleibraheem3974]

@@innocento.1552 Asking a question=complaining? Go back to school.

[@gilbertikorong2636]

@FIZI PARADISE; you are right. Indeed, it's clearly very good to hear African history narrated by an African with African accent

[@mansamusa9465]

@@adewaleibraheem3974 non black troll alert

[@anubistheone1939]

He has been my favourite musician since I was 14 he’s definitely the most militant musician in history and his lyrics are the best you will hear

[@georgereuben100]

To me Nigerians own his family an apology, I have listen to 70% of his music so truthful, meaningful, so encourage to fight bad Govt also a prophecy to this Nigeria generation

[@josephmachar4731]

Fela was indeed an African hero. He fought for the emancipation of the black race and social justice through his music. His creative dexterity was unique and second to none

[@thembadube9589]

There are few people in the history of humanity you can point to and say they are the originators of this or that genre of music. In South Africa we have what is called Maskandi music. That genre was single-handedly invented by the late Maxhayi "Phuzushukela" Bhengu. In one interview, Jimmy Cliff stated that in Jamaica no singe person can claim to have invented Ska, Rock Steady or Reggae. So I say well-done to Fela and Phuzushukela.

[@kajokolewani7400]

He was the conscious afrikan! I wish all Afrikans follow His legacy politically!!

[@deedeeumondak4490]

No Nigerian Artists has the Courage and Greatness of Fela. Artists these days cannot stand up to the Government of the day.

[@Sarahfrancislifestyle]

Seeing what Fela went through and nothing still changed can you really blame them?

[@danieldaulie8980]

ARTISTS ARE NOT ACTIVISTS! If anyone decides to use their art for activism, good. If they don’t? No problem.

[@glenmalesa8902]

Great Doc as always. I'd loved if you had included the friendship he had with Thomas Sankara. The Fela Kuti and Thomas Sankara friendship is one of the most under-discussed friendships in the sphere of Africa. Both were revolutionaries with similar attributes. Thomas Sankara was a fan of Fela Kuti's songs. On the other hand, Fela saw Thomas Sankara as a good leader of the Burkinabe people. Thomas Sankara once invited Fela Kuti to visit him in the capital of Ouagadougou in 1987.

[@muhammadnawaz5039]

True that . Brother Tatenda forgot that Fela Kuti had lots of love and respect for Thomas Sankara. He also forgot to mention that when Kalakuta Republic was ransacked by the army he left Nigeria to go and live in Ghana. During a live performance in the Accra Sports Stadium he sang his hit song 'Zombie'. What happened next is unbelievable. Riots, looting and burning broke out throughout Ghana. This prompted the Ghana junta to bundle Fela Kuti and band onto an Accra Lagos flight back to Nigeria. Remember he was homeless in his homeland. I forgot to mention the respect and love between Thomas Sankara and Fela Kuti was mutual.

[@Quasiloks]

This is a well informed biography of a great African prophet, Olufela Anikulapo-Kuti. The contribution of the Ramsome-Kuti family to Nigeria Africa and the world cannot be underestimated, how much can one family give to a wretched country like Nigeria?, and still continue to give up till today.

[@clintonwashington8609]

I just discovered Fela Kuti last year. Awesome

[@lajiraffa]

woa! I suppose it's in order to wish you bon voyage! I will be happy to bring you upto speed at any point while you at it. Enjoy!

[@clintonwashington8609]

@@lajiraffa thanks.

[@sukulbembe4657]

@@lajiraffa recommendations please

[@vick6563]

🇳🇬

[@andrewgulters3596]

He once said I can't die you can not kill me. I will live forever. Honestly, he never died.

[@joshuakatayi6965]

A beautiful, well put together piece on one of Africa's illustrious sons!

[@dacoastaoriake9477]

I requested for this Almost 20 times thanks in anticipation and advance am grateful even before you release this because I know you would do a great job

[@sag6303]

People say Burna Boy sings about things going on in Africa, but as I’ve always said singing about it, doesn’t change conditions in Africa. Fela believed in what he song about and did something about it, even if he was beaten and jailed. Fela suffered in his lifetime, Burna Boy doesn’t know that kind of suffering. That’s why I get mad went people say Burna Boy is like Fela, no one in the music industry today is like Fela. He is the King of Afrobeat. Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido are Afrobeats artists, totally different from afrobeat. Fela was an activist, he wanted change and song about it. My God this man went through a lot just to help his people. What he was doing for Africa, through music and Martin Luther King did it through sermons in America. Both men were considered a threat. Love this video of Fela Kuti,

[@MfundoDube-z2g]

So truth... I respect that

[@harrisinteractivemedia7802]

Thank you

[@aghedoosamuede2173]

He's a real legendary father of afrobeat and may his soul continue to rest in perfect peace Amen.

[@akeemsalami1764]

A bit of context here, Fela's Mum Funmilayo was instrumental in removing and chasing away the sitting King of Abeokuta,'The Alake of Egbaland' ,this was due to tax issues among market women. She was the one that modelled activism for the young Fela. In addition,MKO Abiola, Olusegun Obasanjo,Fela Kuti....all 3 men from the same Abeokuta,they were about the same ages. Both MKO and OBJ were classmates at BBHS, Abeokuta. Fela on the other hand attended Abeokuta Grammar School. All 3 disliked each other in real life. All 3 became legends in their own rights in different fields.

[@afolayanodunayo153]

Thanks

[@skimanization]

Fela Kuti is my African music and political hero forever!!! I don't care of what other people say about his marijuana herb smoking and like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh he'll be forever my great revolutionary Ancestor!!!

[@PeterDebby]

I stumbled on this and I love it.

[@shookoneldn300]

Me too..

[@joydavid5428]

He was a man of truth and Justice 💪💪💪💪I was a little girl then but always loved him 💘💘 may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace Amen 😭🙏

[@mishacknthane1060]

The chief priest today musicians use their music to promote sex and lavish lifestyle and the degradation of women, fela had no holy cows. He excoriated the inept, corrupt, religious zealots, but importantly he spoke on behalf of the downtrodden and marginalized. He rejected the negerian corrupt elites and lambasted them for thier corrupt and decadence. Fela never died and he won't die with lots of love from south Africa, thanks radio 702 for paying homage to this great giant

[@timitunaFkaBo]

Yes he won't die...

[@brianmkwanazi3601]

Let no one tell our stories but ourselves. Still one of the things I need to do, visit THE SHRINE…..

[@timitunaFkaBo]

Lol...you should

[@rasmoral3909]

Respect to the legend ......good to know he spent sometime in Ghana 🇬🇭 and a friend to Nkrumah

[@heyneken2156]

I am proudly half African but I was born in the paradise of Latin America and growing up as a child I realized that even today in 2022 we are still slaves, even now we produce more wealth than before for imperialism. I am a lover of good music and this man " Fela kuti is the Maximum Master" a phenomenon in that subject. The most important thing are the messages that he left us opening our brains hypnotized by the system and personally I think the same as him, that's why you can count on me to free us from the slavery to which we are subdued. 8 years ago I wrote a book called "Slave monkeys poorly educated by Israel" which talks about us as a society.

[@Chuby_ubesie]

Bro, I'm not a slave, speak for yourself.

[@heyneken2156]

@@Chuby_ubesiesorry broo Israel Rules

[@leonardaroh5346]

I love you

[@successchijioke6020]

Im Africanboy Jaygold a musician from Nigeria 🇳🇬 and i respect ✊ who has made an impart I also want to make a good history may God help me to get there with my music

[@onotualiyuohindase155]

Fela is definitely in the Top5 of the Greatest Africanist of all time plus the Greatest African Musician of all time ❤

[@officielEP]

Fela was not just a musician, he was a revolutionary! MOP is alive and well. A piece well put together. Thanks for the work you put in here.

[@kofiagyeibaffour647]

Very impressive......you did your research well

[@AfricanBiographics]

Thanks Kofi

[@eechaze12]

I think Koye took Dad's attitude while Fela and Beko took mom's.

[@thenewmayorofcrazytown7392]

Great as always. Would have loved mention of Paul McCarthy and Wings recoding in Nigeria!

[@mbarikiwamshindi8739]

Very beautifully and authentically narrated🤝🏿🖤👏🏿✍🏿🕒🗣️. #deeply appreciated .

[@AfricanBiographics]

Thank you

[@mbarikiwamshindi8739]

@@AfricanBiographics THANK YOU👈🏿

[@alvanalvino]

Can you people start to watch the tone of the tittle of your KZbin videos? Fela Anikulapo Kuti is a Nigerian hero who didn’t cause any trouble in Nigeria during his life time. He was a misunderstood genius who stood up against a backward society and arrogant military dictatorship who stole our fundamental human rights, national resources and the future of our country. Fela’s mother is the first Nigerian to drive a car. They changed that history to satisfy the ego of the men. Fela’s mother was a great activists who stood up against Great British empire the economic parasite colonial tyrants who ruled and looted everything Nigeria had before our independence. Then the military did the same and they were Nigerians and Fela didn’t care if they had guns. They stormed his house, took his old mother and dropped her head down from a 2 storey balcony to kill her hoping her death will silence her son but it didn’t. He didn’t many years in and outside prison. He should never be described as a trouble maker but a great pan African patriot and hero of Africa. I took offence with this title as a patriotic Nigerian. Please watch the titles when you talk about Nigerian’s heroes in the future. You don’t want 100 million people on your case. Also music runs in his family. If 25% of Nigeria embraced Fela’s spirits then Nigeria would become a first world country today.

[@kellyosaze2915]

I'm happy to see that wanted to address it too

[@castromax5020]

💯 !! I really wished 25% of Nigerians did embrace his spirit ! The country will shake Bigtime

[@muhammadnawaz5039]

No 'trouble' is in quotes meaning something opposite to what you are talking about. It's in quotes because he doesn't mean he was a 'trouble' maker in that objective sense but subjective opinion of the Nigeria junta.

[@prof.nicollas519]

AWESOME VIDEO MY FRIEND! what history! Great job! Greetings from Brazil!

[@tnr9012]

As a Fela disciple I am was hook all through even though I am quite familiar with his history. Your narrative style is very captivating and funny too🙂 "expensive shit" indeed 🤣. May the soul of Abami eda, rest in peace. He's one of the best thing that ever comes from Nigeria and the best among the rest in music. That is, if his music resonates with you.

[@papap1186]

Some of the informations are wrong, Fela didn't create the Afrobeat sound in Ghana, He created the Afrobeat sound in 1969 with Tony Allen after he returned back from the US to Nigeria with his American girlfriend called Sandra because Sandra inspired Fela to became extreme political activist. That was the foundation of Afrobeat. Fela only went to Ghana when he had an issue with the Nigerian Government.

[@AnEnemy100]

Fela was not an extremist. He merely demanded to live with the dignity which all people deserve.

[@papap1186]

@@AnEnemy100 I get your point.

[@Acokeek]

Papa P*You are 100% correct.I was young back then and remember when Fela ransome(Kaula) kunti came to the US teamed with the black panthers and fell in love with the female panther. Felas music and political ideas are incorporated with black American music AKA james brown etc! LONG LIVE THE BLACK PANTHERS AND FELA KUNTI.

[@basseybassey1979]

Fela remains the greatest musician Nigeria ever produced. Musically very intelligent. I hear today's artists in Nigeria capturing some theme/motiv of his music. He was so creative and original

[@mcamara488]

Thank you for Educating us more on Africa history.

[@Ikideynaso1946]

My hero, Fela was one of a kind, courageous, intelligent n didn’t let society or the west control him. 👏🏿. African legend.

[@neitevezana9263]

Well researched, very informative article. Tatenda chaizvo.

[@AfricanBiographics]

Thank you

[@olukimkan3837]

I must appreciate those behind this work. As one of those privileged to have watched him perform and seeing him relate with people.irrespect of class, race or tribe, I am glad this can be shared and hopefully will motivate and encourage Africans to know who they are, and that they possess enormous power to impact their generation positively if they are determined and willing to pay whatever price it demands. Fela had opportunity to make so much money from government officials and corrupt politians, he refused , despite losing virtually all his possessions. Many African activists nowadays are so cheap, after a few years of activism, they become politicians accepting appointments from corrupt people and become like them. I personally believe those who attacked Fela and destroyed his propertes were 'ENVIOUS' of his accomplishments. Those officials were normal civil servants before getting government positions.. I remember very well, Fela's house in the early 70s and some of his possessions. None of all those thieves had anything close before they became overnight millionaires via embezzlement.

[@caro.caro.9578]

So glad I caught this. Fela Kuti the icon.Rip

[@nigeriainjustice1384]

Africa is the best, we have culture, lineage and respect. I'm happy I'm an African. God bless Yoruba men and women, God bless Africa

[@_adeniyi_]

RIP Anikulapo Kuti. Thanks for this!

[@ntackie82]

Another great icon of freedom fighter 👏 🙌 👌 💪 ❤

[@johng.s.mayonii1942]

Every struggle for the redemption of people is worth the fight; not even death can win; your voice lives on. As Redemptionists, your first victory is never fearing death, defeating it with the power of your voice [spoken or written]! Lord, make our voice meaningful for Your purpose, redeeming Your people from governmentally [politically] created suffering and poverty! Thank You, Jesus! Glory! 🙏🏿

[@stevenmutumbu2860]

This was the Most far- Fetched and well reseached Doc of an African Legend Fena Kuti I really enjoyed it Thanks alot and HAPPY Easter.

[@MrBobstone13]

When I was in school in lagos we use to call ourselves Baba's children. Baba being Fela.

[@idemudiasimon8941]

This documentary voice does not sound Nigerian. I am impresed by the detailed and almost 100 percent perfect work. He loves true African history thanks

[@novathewomanking9675]

Such a brave man. So many have died during this volatile period. God rest fela and the brave souls that were sacrificed.

[@princeobanisolaadesina4979]

Fela, the LEGEND lives on!

[@timitunaFkaBo]

GOD Bless you for this brother

[@aiyedun150]

Well said ! And Well done Job. Pa. Fela Kuti was an Uncommon human being on earth, Fearless, bold, and highly intelligent man. All dat Papa said in his music eventually came to pass. Truely,he was an "ABAMI EDA" I had opportunity to see him once at his home at Gbemisola street off Allen Avenue lkeja. It was a male friend dat took me to his house, I sat Infront of him and he was talking to me like a grand pa and like a prophet. Fela was not an evil man as some people used to say. Papa Fela Kuti will forever be in our minds.All l know is dat....Papa Fela Lives On ! Secondly, l thank God for d life of aunty Yeni Kuti, why ? she is handling dat family better than some OLORI - EBI that are male. ( ALAJOBI AGBE YIN MA.) She is a unique & powerful lady, she is full of knowledge,wisdom,& understanding. She is a lady that l respect so much in d society. She is more knowledgeable than majority of dis so call BSC holders, master degree holders,& PHD holders that are just full of pride. Pls, l am not against being well educated,tnk God that l am a graduate as well. Kindly try & understand what l am trying to bring out from dis wonderful lady. Aunty Yeni,may be u don't know that you are one of the good few Olori-ebi's dat we have in our Nation & in D whole World at large. Alot of pastors,lmams, prophets Alfas can not manage dea immediate home well,not to talk of managing a family or dea Church proper. ABAMI EDA O O O ! CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE !

[@tufflikeLK]

I no be gentleman at all! I be African man, original!!

[@ashebermulugata9]

Fela Anikulapo Kuti. R. I. P. Warrior.

[@yomialade2851]

He is the father of Afro beat not the king… he created it .

[@hopewellonime1571]

Why are some Ghanians now claiming to have invented Afrobeat? Gh no get shame at all, always trying to rip from other people's labor. Long live FELA! Long live AFROBEAT!✊✊✊

[@ochiegodfrey6428]

#Hopewell. Don't mind those #goats

[@amandaeguale1641]

Just because he went to Ghana

[@hadizamohammed2443]

Am confused too

[@bismarkagyeman6520]

It's funny how Ghana lives rent free in your heads 🤧

[@barbarafadare9579]

@@bismarkagyeman6520 but did they lie?, your people made a thing to claim afrobeat, so If I come to ghana and I become a successful doctor, does that now mean that i learnt medicine in ghana? I had a maths teacher in elementary school who was ghanaian, so mathematics is now ghanaian? according to the logic of your people

[@finsensetv]

Well done Tatenda. You produce very good work. Fela's mother's name was Funmilayo

[@AfricanBiographics]

You are welcome

[@mensahkadi1223]

I am a Ghanaian but Fela is one of my favorites musicians ever. He’s iconic revolutionary leader and was opening the eyes of Nigerians against western influences not only in Nigeria but the whole of Africa, a great Nkrumahist that he was.His love for Ghana made him moved to Ghana where he also had and encounter with the then Acheampong’s government Bcos a Lebanese man close to the government was maltreating some Ghanaians which resulted to confrontation between him and the Lebanese man which resulted to his deportation back to Nigeria.He was a great man. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Eventually l attended his shows in Paris and he was great man indeed on stage.

[@nnamdiisrael1375]

Very informative and detailed, thanks for this great work.

[@FinancialFinesse00]

Thanks for this valuble and informative episode about Fela Kuti my Nigerian cousins were huge fans keep the gems coming peace and blessings my brother.

[@anekesunday2276]

Founder and King of afrobeat 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@riotfiftyk5508]

Fela Kuti, the only Yoruba Man worth respecting. RIP, Afrobeat King!

[@olaniyanolabode7049]

Your opinion I guess.

[@what_ifss]

if you can't speak English well, try your native language, don't worry Google will help translate

[@riotfiftyk5508]

@@what_ifss IJEBU RAT, SHARAP!

[@aiyedun150]

Honestly, we can not have another FELA again. Photocopy is not an easy task. RIP PAPA !

[@adedoyinadesanmi6474]

They don't come like this again. RIP LEGENDARY ICON!!

[@DaisyGeekyTransGirl]

This is not the only time a song called Zombie had a political impact. It’s believed that the Cranberries’ song Zombie contribute to a large decrease in IRA attacks.

[@djamaltanko5121]

I am so proud Africans are now shown more interest in learning about thier history 🙌 👏 ❤. Proudly African

[@raymondehiemere5500]

Impressive research & delivery on an Icon. Thank you...

[@chidozieekweanua1039]

You really did good. Thank you

[@fromGhetto2Goddess]

Great documentary of a great African icon

[@nmg1909]

It is wrong to use "cause problem" for a man fighting for emancipation from military corruption and oppression.

[@alhaydardaliby312]

He didn't cause trouble, he became the trouble of those hypocrites.

[@kaloolnaeku9396]

you should do a biography on zaire's Franco luambo makiadi the King of Rhumba

[@oluthompson7137]

Baba can never die... FELA FOVEVER.. ANIKULAPO

[@edgarjeji5430]

The album is called expensive shit.

[@henrydebernardo7255]

💯💯💯✊💪thank you very much...nothing else to add...🙏🙌👌👍👀

[@jamesmaisiri5848]

you need to do a biography on Dr Thomas Mapfumo , chimurenga music guru

[@abangwu]

Absolute madlad, this guy. Once in a century type personality. Music was truly his weapon. Great work as usual Tatienda(?)

[@laundia88]

I've recently discovered your content and I'm hooked ive learned so much

[@jonathaslopes8038]

Is this Channel linked with NewAfrica? i find the two channels very similar in their content.

[@texcity2004]

Fela is a legend

[@MsDboyy]

Please do a video about Eritrea and Swaziland next 🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇸🇿🇸🇿🇸🇿 Thanks for making these videos they are really interesting respect from NYC 🤝

[@naturalblockade3412]

Yes Fela caused Trouble in Nigeria. He established the Kalakuta Republic which is independent of Nigeria's laws. He electrified Kalakuta Republic so that law enforcement officers couldn't access the compound. He married 20 or more girls (who were dancers on his band) deceptively using the Native Law and Custom. The parents of the underage girls were about to sue Fela and Fela avoided the lawsuit by "marrying" the girls. His father Reverend Ransome Kuti was a famous clergyman but Fela changed his surname to Anikulapo - a name which is averse to his christian upbringing. How about smoking marijuana along with members of his band? Marijuana was and is illegal in Nigeria.

[@lorenzowere9433]

Fela Kuti is Nigerian revolutionary...people need to stop treating Africa like a country....there are 55 countries

[@amandaeguale1641]

What is this your comment about

[@samanth.]

He is also an African

[@childrentoys4537]

@@samanth. Thank you o.

[@speakertreatz]

great documentary thanks

[@PerCarlsson-fd7vk]

The man is up there with woodie guthrie, joe hill and peter tosh. Uncompromising. Forever. Not a life wasted.

[@virtualportluxurypropertie8387]

Long live the king

[@nigeriainjustice1384]

Fela may God bless your soul

[@ritaowo91]

Africa movie music is good o my god help us oooo.

[@hotyeah7547]

Who spoke the truth!!!…na government de cause trouble

[@isidorajohnson9273]

The one and ONLY Fela, the FOUNDER of Afrobeat. His legacy still lives on 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬😘

[@robertbrackins1308]

Again the pen is mightyer then the sword

[@salawudeenolawale5317]

Thank you so much, I love It

[@SimonMas]

thank you for this documentary. it's going to end in the sources of a video i'm preparing on kuti's zombie :) lots of little information i couldn't find anywhere else.

[@solomonkobinaaremu4249]

Great documentary with verifiable historical facts. Just would have loved if the video was interspersed/laced with short short vocals from his hits timed to the narrative✌

[@imikanjohnpraise1812]

agbami eda❤

[@judybashoro3364]

Abàmì èdá

[@danfiesta1]

Abami Eda

[@addycoletv]

Interesting and touching story

[@oluyemiawolusi7945]

Whao, you did a good job. Kudos!

[@djibrilibroibrahim1191]

waaow Great work

[@msfunkenstein2335]

thank you ❤

[@leoncoetzer]

One of Africas greats an exceptional artist

[@sidneysalakuphathwa]

I love the video big up for your work.