Fela Kuti - Authority Stealing

Authority Stealing (1980) Fela Kuti
From the LP Authority Stealing (CD release 1997)
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This video is part of a series of songs being posted on Fela's official KZbin channel ( / fela ) each featuring, alongside the music, an informative commentary by Afrobeat Historian, Chris May.
The entire catalogue, released on Kntting Factory Records, is available on the Fela website (fela.net/), along with documentaries and recorded concerts, CDs and vinyl, tee shirts, posters and many other items.

[@babbiesolomi7964]

Omg. Fela wakes up all my senses. The drums, bass guitar, the horn placement. It is just so goddamn spiritual. When I am listening to Fela’s songs, I feel like I am in trance dancing with my ancestors. That is the feeling.

[@benjaminmacauley9388]

Same here Brother, same here....

[@Gawsonix876]

Very spiritual. Good word's

[@paqallqu1182]

another spiritual underground

[@kolawolefagbamiye3882]

This is true my brotha!!!!!

[@Wayo749]

Well what can I say but to add my statement SAME!

[@bobbykrystal4798]

This is the first Fela Song I came in contact with through my dad. I was fascinated with the Cover design of the vinyl record. My dad will play Fela's songs and explain to me the enigma of a man he was. I'm doing the same for my son now. We must know and celebrate our heroes. Fela was one. Long live Abami Eda.

[@killahk94]

Gotta hear it all the time once you start you can’t stop looking for all his work!

[@michaelsylfad842]

Check out Beasts of No Nation and Overtake Don Overtake Overtake as well for guitar solos

[@ghurley2269]

Exactly right, once you start you cant stop seeking more of his work. I heard my first Fela album just this week, already I'm 5 or 6 albums in and loving the infectious nature of this music

[@chiefkolass8226]

Been listening since zombie on grand theft auto IV soundtrack….side note ..Beny More ….is another Grand Theft auto great 👍🏾…I use to park and play the stations ….LOUD 🤣🤣🤣

[@pablomogosi8712]

its so addictive wtf

[@leandroboeira1253]

Have you guys watched the documentary about him?

[@plumbc]

One song, 24 minutes long, more entertaining and enjoyable than most albums.

[@kehindeadisa6995]

Fela was far ahead of his time. Rest in peace Abami Eda.

[@terrymarshall5480]

Yes

[@sojiadamo5212]

No, Fela was just on time it's the rest of us who were late.

[@rotimijohn7511]

Fela was

[@sadeasinadu1335]

2020 and I feel every word still...

[@yomiorimolade]

Yes ooooo my dear Sister.

[@sojiadamo5212]

That's not really you... ?

[@naijaroyaltyculture3567]

Fela Anikulapokuti the man that saw tomorrow with his songs. Continue to rest in peace!

[@africarib]

He was talking about his today. Just because things are still the same doesn't make him a prophet

[@BakareLawrence]

🕊 🕊

[@BakareLawrence]

​@africarib but you accord those "unknown writers" in the so-called "bible/Quran" as prophets, right? Reversed psychology indeed🤦 🤦🤦

[@akeemsalami5758]

​@@BakareLawrenceon point bro, some are just jealous, Fela De Great

[@alex-gq2cv]

He was well blessed with knowledge beyond his time. We never understood the prophecies he revealed when he was with us, now we are paying the price in Nigeria with so much sorrow, tears and blood.

[@africarib]

Not prophecy. The same nonsense he was still singing about is just still happening. It's speaks more to the lack of progress that his music is still relevant decades later.

[@OkechukwuVincentEgbuna]

​@africarib Exactly! We're in the same position over forty years after! Even mostly the same players OBJ, Buhari etc. When then will the sleeping giant of Africa awaken? The old folks actually enjoyed Nigeria in the 70s and 80s. Which way my country?

[@yaminhaniyah2979]

Still relevant today. " Authority Stealing" Oct 2019. Fela's music brings tears to your eyes.

[@obi387]

1000% agree. I find tears welling up in my eyes when I listen to his lyrics and read his life story. Him, his poor mother and his band mates too who were all beaten. He was defiant, tried spreading his message to the peoples of Nigeria until he was murdered. For this and many other reasons, I hate the Nigerian government and all oppressing governments all over the world!..S**t, let me calm down and relax, soon I'll go smoke a spliff!

[@salesandmarketingwithesosa9440]

October 2023 and its even worst

[@Cotyledonous]

Apart from the message, the music itself is great. Let’s face it, this guy paid great attention to the music too. Some of us rate the music even higher than the lyrics. He was simply great!!!

[@SuperAmeda]

You are right

[@ezobis45]

One of the best sound and musical instruments so well arranged… Great Fela R.I.P.

[@benjaminmacauley9388]

I can listen to this for hours and hours 💕 💓.

[@olusegunadebayo5306]

There is a lot of spirituality in it, close your listen with all conciousness you can feel it.

[@rickexcelarms]

Authority stealing still going on till this day. All the ills of Africa & his native Nigeria this great man spoke about YEARS ago is happening....nothing has changed, rather its gotten worse. Africa's own Fela Kuti...true legend. The People's champion.

[@benjaminmacauley9388]

Again, The more things change, the more they stay the same. 😭

[@justdance300]

2023 still listening to you Fela

[@kogokorhymes]

Today in Nigeria, The Agricultural sector says they have used 18.9 Billion to clear Bushes.... That's why I'm here... This song Never get outdated 😂😥

[@MURIU411]

All around the world same song bro🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ 6:53

[@dmacdaddy1663]

True, but it is universal. The Premier of Ontario was just caught taking preserved land in a Green Belt around Toronto for his land developer friends. Grift is everywhere.

[@SamuelAkinbo]

@@dmacdaddy1663 Authorities stealing left and right!

[@AquarianConspiracy]

Suffer, not the child-brother ; ..is , un-wise

[@KingsKim-e3l]

It will never get outdated as long as politicians exist 😂

[@christopheronwunali62]

this man saw our problem in time but we didn't value him God will bless him anywhere he is

[@rotimijohn7511]

Legend of African music - out of Nigeria! Rest on Fela Kuti

[@MilesDeiOlufeagba]

2019 and still going on man. So fresh. Abami Eda, the Prophet! Rest in Peace Baba. Na Buhari still dey run things oh...

[@charlesnawhbilsi8465]

I love it; you are right bro.

[@kolawolebabatunde8712]

Buhari 1981 again in 2019/2020 na wa o.........Nigeria is in another problem again

[@kolawolebabatunde8712]

Buhari 1981 again in 2019/2020 na wa o......Nigeria is in another problem again thank God am out, am proud of Nigeria

[@tommygraves4065]

you be thief , i no be thief , you de steal , i no de steal ..

[@Chukky.KingChikwendu]

This man called Fela is Just phenomenal. I can't stop listening 🎧 to his prophecies in music 🎵

[@matthewadayi8621]

Fela speak in parables,intelligent performance,rest in peace.

[@FrankMohlaka]

The combination of all the instruments it is so great,sometimes I just wish he was still alive just to see his lifestyle and behavior on his music 🎶 the good work

[@muhammadnawaz5039]

It's a disservice to say 'rest-in-peace' to a man like Fela Kuti he is alive as much as you because a man like him through example influences so many

[@jamesmichaeligiri6244]

The kingdom (Kalakuta Republic) of our father (Fela) subsists in our hearts. The Enigma remains veiled just as he was those many years ago. It takes a chosen mind to relate to the great philosophy of this Originator. Long Live Baba Kuti!!!!!

[@chukscampos9287]

Ebami Eda you saw it when it was still ok,now I don't know what to say again,you are a prophet. We dey dance your music but we no know say na message you dey give us....may your soul continue to rest in peace.

[@matomomabotja6587]

The best of the very best, once in a lifetime magician

[@louisotieno4712]

Rest In Power Abami Eda... Olufela Olusegun Anikulapo Kuti.... Same same things are still happening in Africa today. You had a solid vision for African Unification and noncorrupt,greedy and selfish leaders who still abuse their power positions to fulfill their personal desires. You were a blessing to Africa and the music you left is a precious gem for those who listen and overstand it👊

[@benjaminmacauley9388]

Isn't that something? After all these years , we're still talking about the same corruption....

[@louisotieno4712]

@@benjaminmacauley9388 sad I tell you... and it's increasing

[@martindaplah3816]

I love his Music from Day one.I am proud to be an African like him.

[@yaminhaniyah2979]

RIP Baba. One of my all time favs amongst others who are awesome. August 2019. So happy he left his musical treasure behind for all to enjoy and appreciate.

[@conradsunkiojack2538]

I recently read a description about the son of Kuti and the revolution of his music in Google, that l immensely disavowed and disagreed with. Born and raised in the city of Lagos, it was my most elder brother, Swithin, the first born child of my parents, that in the 60's first took a liking to Fela's beat and from then on it resonated down the sibling line to his younger ones. Then the band was known as the Kola Lobitos. Hits like "Onidodo Onimoinmoin" singles on 45 rpm, became popular fast like wild fire. With hardwork and tenacity, he persevered, and released the chart buster "Jeun Koku", a great melodiously infectious rhythm very danceable in 1970, and contrary to these refutable assertions, was played constantly on the radio airwaves. Subsequently, came powerhouse LP Albums titled "Shakara" which contained the classic "Lady", a comedic metaphor on the side B, and everlasting party favorite. As he had more stories to tell, his production got longer on the LP format for effective communication to his varying vast audience. Remember, his mother, the fiery Matriarch of Nigerian indigenous autonomy and Independence from British Colonial government, Madam Olufunmilayo Ransome - Kuti, had influenced him politically. Both his parents were very educated. His Father Reverend Ransome - Kuti was a school founder and educationist. So naturally, Fela's upbringing was steered towards accountable citizenship and service to one's country and a patriot. After power was transferred to home representatives, gradually the decadence germinated, and took root getting worse with wanton corruption. At this time, especially in late 50's, Ghana's was in 1958, Nigeria's in 1960, and further down, most African nations gained Independence. As these African leaders became immersed in embezzlement, shifted focus from service to their peoples needs and nation building, Fela's tone and music changed to civil rights activism and criticism of the despots who clung to power interminably, violently by any means necessary. He spoke the crystal clear plain truth, risked his life severally, defied the government, suffered brutality, and his fame grew as an icon of human rights, liberty, and political freedom worldwide. As a matter of fact, be it post homouosly, Fela rightly deserves the Alfred Nobel Peace Prize for his decades long fight for equal rights and justice in Nigeria and Africa in diaspora. His life and struggles is the theme of lessons in service, human emancipation and development which no doubt makes for fine authorship in civics and leadership. There is more to Fela.

[@louisotieno4712]

This was a MAN AND A HALF.... DOMINANT

[@toksilorin4551]

Fela wouldn't give a shit about any stinking Nobel prize..

[@louisotieno4712]

@@toksilorin4551 Never Ever

[@piefunk98]

6:36 first time I hear a guitar solo in Fela's songs. Loved it!

[@adeyinkadosumu]

Simply the…. BEST 🤷‍♂️🔥

[@darrenkiefer1236]

You can feel it in the groove fella was honest an punished for truth this is what music is about conviction god bless fela

[@judeatisele4658]

baba, when I listen to your music, am reminded of the fact that God did not give all men equal talents. he gave some more than others. he gave you enough to make you both King and high priest in afrojuju music. thanks

[@berkslaw]

Baba WORKED for it!!!

[@beckymetu7410]

He was definitely prophetic; may his soul continue to rest in peace.

[@NeonAdejo]

Very Prophetic...... Came from Twitter

[@peacemaker3331]

This song is dedicated to all Force in Nigeria and politicians. Authority stealing in uniform

[@ozzythestunner]

I absolutely love this channel ❤️ I love how people especially my fellow Nigerians come here to report various govt atrocities especially the Nigerian government as though Fela were alive and could hear them 🙂. Maybe he can 😂 I'll give my own report. Baba Fela, I greet you Legend and I thank God for your Mom and Susan and other people around you who shaped you to be what you were. You did well but the evil people in our government didn't slumber. They made sure that Nigerian children never know their history. They only tell them about McPherson and Lugard and other unimportant things. There was a giant leap in report of history, and therefore history repeated itself. Buhari became our leader again but this time be was actually voted in by accident. The entire nation is in chaos and the army under Buhari opened fire at unarmed protesters. It's a total mess but we're not giving up. We'll continue vibing to your songs and channeling in ourselves that braveness and passion you showed for our country till the very end ✊🏾✊🏾.

[@benjaminmacauley9388]

The more things change, the more they stay the same.....😭😭😭😭

[@ozzythestunner]

@@benjaminmacauley9388 Truly sad

[@benjaminmacauley9388]

@@ozzythestunner indeed....😭

[@hyppenkosi4065]

This song is still so relevant and applicable

[@raphaelobi9964]

What a prophetic music hey! Keep on resting in peace the legend at all time and your music and message leaves on all over Africa

[@davidajayi4440]

Authority stealing indeed, This is exactly what is happening in our nation, public office holder abusing office. I love Fela

[@davidcole2530]

Right on point 👌

[@benjaminmacauley9388]

It's unbelievable that we're now in 2022 and the same thing still happened.....🤬🤬🤬.

[@alainguede6194]

2021 thank you Baba Anikulakpo From Ivory Coast

[@kokoyaro]

Someone please take me back to the 70s

[@ostenbeen8201]

Better thing nor day last. HAVE A GOOD WORK UH SO EVER DO THIS WE NEVER HAVE PEACE

[@pablosegui8114]

(28/09/2024; 15:40 hs.) -- Me estoy copando mucho con Fela Kuti: ya es el tercer o cuarto disco que escucho de él. Gracias por difundir. Saludos desde Ciudad de Córdoba (Argentina).

[@Tootired4ulol]

This what is happening in Nigeria 2day.

[@alayotv1912]

Today? forever bro....

[@Reason_77]

Everywhere Sir....Classism and Elitism has screw us all over

[@kolawolebabatunde8712]

@Shaunduhpostman are you serious?

[@munenenganga2191]

Fela's songs are about Kenya, I swear.

[@tutorkeith6368]

Been looking for this comment! Hahaa

[@BabaEsconoir]

This bass line is some hypnotic shit... .

[@ArthurOkongwuchidiebere]

The Spiritualist like me

[@africarib]

yes oooo

[@keysTechy]

so consistens and spiritual asf

[@chiefulokoowegbe2078]

Bad ass, son of gun. ya our dude. Pal. Ride on.

[@juanestadian8471]

You can see on this one that Fela was trying to get his drummers to play in the Tony Allen style......they just didn't have it. Which is why i think his music became more orchestral in the 80s. Tony gave him a kind of freedom other drummers could not provide

[@gokeoluyemo]

Bro. Most Fela fans absolutely love his later music. I love Tony Allen but trust me die hard Fela fans appreciate the rest of the work. The rhythm, melody, message and remember he is a trained musician that actually went to different countries to perfect his craft

[@juanestadian8471]

@@gokeoluyemo not saying his later music is inferior. It certainly is more textured. But I'm saying it became more textured because he had to give parts that would have gone to Allen to different percussionists in the group

[@gokeoluyemo]

@@juanestadian8471 agreed

[@3maybachenterprises642]

2023 baba70 truths valid , you be thief I no be thief

[@opeyemidavid7752]

The government of the day and the past indeed work in the different ways but similar style all in aim to enrich themselves. Anytime I open my mind and listen to thus tune, I learn and tap different ideology each time. I'll will never stop learning from this tune. God bless FELA

[@chinonsoobinna2626]

Opeyemi David Fela was sent for Africans by the High Spirits.

[@conradsunkiojack2538]

Fela's powerfully talented drummer Tony Allen, may have departed for his own personal reasons, but l vehemently disagree that Fela's increasing his tempo on politics should not have been the virtuoso musical maestro, and civil and human rights international fighter's undertaking. See how deteriorated the situation is now in Fela's native Nigeria. Wanton corruption and constitutional rights abuses, even here in the United States. History has justified, and continue to prove that he was on the right track.

[@ayodejiadekunle6340]

fela forever 😍😍

[@masononeokaone5804]

Fela forever ever live in African Rip Baba 70th

[@Agognan__K]

Stuttgart 26. 2024 and authority still stealing public money. Music himself na Baba Fela, rest in power, your people didn't understand you 🖤✊🏾

[@kasherimilkong1036]

If Fela were to be alive, he wd v launched a 5m man musical march on the 22bn, abi na dollar self ?swallowed by python😂😂😂😂

[@obotumoh72]

Authorities stealing till 2day

[@michaelekueme2606]

Yah😢😢😢😢😢😢 wish you are here toady, King prophet Fela kuti

[@mauriciobatoripardo]

This happening around the world in these days!!!!

[@gracengozimosindi1137]

We miss you Fela

[@babatundeoginni1456]

...40 year old song that is still so fresh like it's happening tomorrow. NDDC are the new "players"

[@osabuohien.uwaifo.6918]

The only Baba Kuti of all time. The only Chief PRIEST of African Shrine who saw the rottenness, corruption and flagrant abuse of human rights by the VAGABOND in power and never stopped fighting against it no matter what it cost him. He was a true African hero, a man of all time. Baba Fela we all thank you for your bravery and uncompromising attitude towards the service to humanity. Baba Fela lives!

[@kolawolebabatunde8712]

2020 is here again, let's see maybe Nigeria political leaders we stop steal our money with their Authority styleeeeeeeeeeee.........again, say something guys

[@arubuolaebenezer9986]

I am here to tell you that you were wrong 😢

[@soundbringer]

Kalakuta Powershow!!

[@gilbertmuyumbu1407]

Fela gives it to you as it is, and let's you deal with it.

[@footballflicks_04]

So sad you're gone Baba...2020, same authority stealing still loading and naija still in suffering

[@FrankMohlaka]

Authority stealing ,even now we r still struggling with the Authority's stealing

[@gideonighodalo3476]

Abami Eda👊 Legend👏

[@usmanmuhammed8371]

Please, play this music on our TV and radio stations

[@philipifeloa1454]

I can't love him less

[@michaelbentley5028]

Do you understand the meaning of what you write????????????????????????????

[@tutorkeith6368]

3:58 that bass sax (or what is it?). The creativity has no name.

[@stanislaskpodar2928]

C'était un géni cet homme dit fela!

[@gracengozimosindi1137]

R.I.P, Fela

[@cyempaul3518]

Honestly till today, you no go hear dem shout "thief thief thief " 🛌🛌🛌🛌🛀🛀🛀

[@muyideensalami]

Great man, rest in perfect peace

[@ameheric8137]

Happy birthday sir abami eda

[@sunnysmiles6014]

I listen to this while playing Tropico

[@kayodecharles-xi3mm]

Mr president and colla of Nigeria is number one ooooo

[@marlonshowjose9079]

Que som de primeira mano , very very good!!! esse negão era o cara top demais. the best song for me.

[@d.rshevchenko9432]

Hell Yes!

[@yanyuur]

I feel it this one from 🇸🇴✌️2022

[@Hannes2k]

Banger

[@tricha123ful1]

Na Tinubu turn now😂😂😂to steal job well done Nigeria 😂😂

[@disingenuousdencemtherfcke227]

YES YES YES YES

[@thesmoothbabs8960]

#EndSarsNow #EndPoliceBrutality

[@protonpotchew6904]

Great thanks !

[@pellecarlsson8408]

Power!❤

[@eminiyen4756]

Yo ur uploads are fukn awesome

[@professormause]

I honestly thought my phone was making funny noises during this. The box set of his might be a little basic looking for some but if you are going to play the discs. It's fine. 'Side 2' doesn't have the looong chatty intro and wanders off into many a funky direction and back again. Why haven't you got a copy yet ?

[@ADAJ3KINGANGEL]

The biggest thieves wear nice suits & Agbada.

[@darrenkiefer7648]

Election song 2021!

[@lutherdecarlotl2595]

Rest On Abami Eda

[@nikipressey9798]

Yeah Yeah!

[@emmanuelgoldstein2764]

Man... three ads in the middle of the song? For real?

[@kayodecharles-xi3mm]

Dis man of God don see Nigeria political party finished ooo

[@tomjones4391]

You are the greatest

[@BanterrClaus]

power to the people ❤️

[@aarondixon7]

A lot fela's criticisms apply to the u.s. capitalist system as well..Authority stealing big time in the United States of America!!

[@michaelbentley5028]

NOT RELEVANT

[@emmanuelgbeho947]

Sept 2021, still here, still listening.