3 Reasons Why Fela Kuti's Legacy Lives On
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3 Reasons Why Fela Kuti’s Legacy Lives On

Every year, people from far and wide gather to celebrate the power of music and the late Afrobeat legend – Fela Anikulapo Kuti.  To celebrate the 20th anniversary of his death, here are 3 reasons why Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s legacy will forever live on in our hearts:

 

  • Music

3 Reasons Why Fela Kuti's Legacy Lives OnSource: BBC

Source: Redwinemusic

Fela Anikulapo Kuti pioneered Afrobeat – a complex fusion of Jazz, Funk, Ghanaian/Nigerian High-life, psychedelic rock and traditional West African chants and rhythms.

Fela was a skillful songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, whose music centered on themes like injustice, freedom, corruption and the general state of Nigeria.  

His songs were mostly in pidgin English and Yoruba, and his music career spanned 3 decades.

He released over 200 songs and the popular include ‘Zombie’, ‘Water no get enemy’ and ‘Beast of no nation’.

Fela was known for his outlandish showmanship. He referred to his stage act as the ‘underground spiritual game’. Ara ra ra ra! Oro ro ro ro!

 

3 Reasons Why Fela Kuti's Legacy Lives On

Source: Felabration.net

3 Reasons Why Fela Kuti's Legacy Lives On

Source: Fisayo Photography

Felabration is an annual festival of music and arts that celebrates the sound, life and times of Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

This week-long event in honour of Fela draws in millions of fans, curious minds and music lovers to Lagos from different parts of the globe.

The musical cravings of all are satisfied through exciting lineups of both local and international artists.

This year’s Felabration is a special tribute festival as it marks Fela’s 20th memorial anniversary. It is themed ‘The Prophecy: Fela Lives’. Felabration 2017 will also feature in the Notting Hill Carnival and in many cities across the world.

 

  • Kalakuta Museum

3 Reasons Why Fela Kuti's Legacy Lives On

Source: Saharareporters.com

3 Reasons Why Fela Kuti's Legacy Lives On

Source: Saharareporters.com

After Fela’s demise, his house, as well as revolutionary headquarters, was transformed into a museum. Here, Fela lovers can experience his life in full force.  The Kalakuta Museum now houses fascinating relics of this enigmatic figure.

So explore the Kalakuta Museum and see everything from his musical instruments to his teeny tiny underwear, shoes, and lots of other mementos. Get on the rooftop terrace and you might be lucky enough to catch a band rehearsal or performance.The museum also contains more than 1000 souvenirs left by visitors who are fans of the great musician.

As the creator of Afrobeat, social critic, political activist, champion of downtrodden masses as well as a philosopher of his own political ideology, Fela is still considered a hero by millions for his contributions to society and this is the major reason his legacy continues to live on.

 

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