If he didn't pass away on August 2nd 1997, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, would have clocked 72 today. Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State on October 15 1940 into a middle-class family. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a feminist activist in the anti-colonial movement and his father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, a Protestant minister and school principal, he was the first president of the Nigerian Union of Teachers. His brothers, Beko Ransome-Kuti and Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, both medical doctors, are well known in Nigeria. Fela was a first cousin to the Nigerian writer and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, the first African to win a Nobel Prize for Literature.
Fela made music, loads of it. For everything he was known for: women, weed, wine, politics, advocacy, polygamy and even teaching, the most important tool Fela used to shape his world was his music. The lyrics are fierce and real; the music rich, detailed and intense. No wonder over a decade after his death, his amazing discography continues to be on heavy demand across the world. Afrobeat bands are springing up everywhere possible, Fela biographies are sitting on bestsellers' lists and the broadway show Fela! is already a global hit and multiple award winner.
Celebrations for his birthday are already taking place in various countries,Just as the family has chosen the occasion of his birthday to celebrate his life and times every year, we need to continue reminding ourselves that Fela is an institution that deserves more attention from all of Nigeria. There's Elvis, There's Michael, There's Marley, and there's Fela.
Let's give the late hero a beautiful birthday treat. Happy birthday Mr. Fela Kuti, many happy returns..
Fela's music will be on all day at Musicnestradio. Click this link http://108.166.161.206:8775/;stream.mp3. Or visit www.musicnestradio.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Be sociable. Comment here.