Read the following excerpt from the article “Fela Kuti – The Art of an Afrobeat Rebel” by Randal Grass.

Then, watch this video clip which features Fela Kuti talking about his experiences growing up in a colonial country. Fela grew up in Nigeria, a country that was formally annexed by Great Britain in 1861 and did not become an independent republic until 1963. It then fell under military rule in a bloody coup d’état in 1966. The decision-makers in Nigeria had a profound effect on the lives of Nigerians, much of which is reflected in Fela’s music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3WppSRoMxc

Now, choose one of Fela’s songs to listen to. 

Please note: many of his songs are very long. If you have time to listen to the entire thing, I strongly encourage you to do so.

Here is a YouTube playlist (Links to an external site.).

Here is a Spotify playlist. (Links to an external site.)

Whatever song you choose, it may be helpful to read about the song while you listen. Genius.com  (Links to an external site.)is a good place to look for information about all kinds of music. However, I caution you to read the “unreviewed” annotations with a critical and discerning mind.

1.  What were the issues or problems with the Nigerian government described in this article?  What was the root cause of these issues or problems? Did Fela take appropriate action to help solve this issue? Why or why not? 

2. The article provides several examples of how Fela was a man of seemingly contradictory beliefs. Briefly describe one of these contradictions. Is it possible to be an “authentic” African musician despite these contradictions? Explain. 

3. How are the effects of colonialism addressed and/or reflected in Fela’s music? Provide a YouTube link to one of Fela’s songs and use it as an example to support your response. 

4. If Fela Kuti was alive today and living in the United States or in your home country, what political issues do you think he would be interested in fighting through his music, and why? Use specific examples of the issues he fought for in his music to support your answer as well as information about his life. Compare/contrast at least one of Fela’s songs to a contemporary song that addresses political issues.  Be sure to clearly demonstrate your understanding of the article in your response. Provide YouTube links to any songs referenced.

5. Choose one of Fela’s songs. In what ways does the song reflect traditional African music? In what ways does it reflect more western styles of music?  Provide a YouTube link to your chosen song. Referencing the article and/or video for support, how does this blending of traditional and modern styles reflect the political situation in Nigeria?

Important: Do not forget to indicate which prompt you are answering and respond to at least two classmates.

Peer 1:

1.  What were the issues or problems with the Nigerian government described in this article?  What was the root cause of these issues or problems? Did Fela take appropriate action to help solve this issue? Why or why not? The most significant issues with the Nigerian government started with the overtaking of control by the federal military government in the 1970s. This caused substantial unhappiness to the general public of Nigeria as the people were struggling. Poverty ran rampant through communities with not many jobs or resources families struggled to provide and shelter for their loved ones. Meanwhile, while all of this was happening to the local population, the significant discovery of oil in the country was causing even more significant problems. Rather than the government try to help those seriously struggling to survive, those who could take complete advantage of the situation did exactly that using the money for their gain rather than to give back into the country. Fela Kuti saw all of this going on around him and knew he needed to take action in some capacity. He started creating music encouraging those to take charge of the situation and not just give in to the unfit and unjust government. Kuti even went as far as to create a commune that would come to be named the Kalakuta Republic. Those who joined operated outside government rule and helped those find like-minded people wanting to escape corruption around them. Here is where Fela really began to create his music of fighting against the Nigerian military and encouraged others to do the same. I think Fela did legitimately as much as he could in a situation like this. Rather than aimlessly try to fight a war he was sure to lose, he chose the power of music and song to unite people and inspire them to stand up for what they believe in. Not only this but the almost haven he created for others as well to be free and think freely was beyond what most normal people could do in a situation like Fela’s. The power of music and song can last forever and leave an impact on generation after generation, and that is precisely what Fela did to the best of his ability.

Peer 2:

1.  What were the issues or problems with the Nigerian government described in this article?  What was the root cause of these issues or problems? Did Fela take appropriate action to help solve this issue? Why or why not? Economic empowerment, police brutality, corruption, urbanized turmoil, and colonial mentality were among the concerns or faults with the Nigerian administration discussed in this article. Because the people of Nigeria were struggling, this produced a lot of unhappiness among the general public. Poverty was common in regions where there were few employment or resources, and families struggled to provide for their loved ones. Many of the women were raped, and Fela and his family were assaulted. The house was set on fire, and the musical equipment, master recordings, and film were all lost. Fela was also imprisoned for a short time. Fela’s mother died in the invasion, and he and his family were severely assaulted; nonetheless, this didn’t discourage Fela from fighting. Kuti, as a political activist, was known for defying the law. Many people believe Kuti did not take adequate action to resolve difficulties because he broke the regulations. Although, it may be claimed that abnormality is the only way for change to occur. Kuti advocated for the Kalakuta Republic, which he founded. They couldn’t condemn him for opposing the administration in the way he did, as he did so in very clever ways. I believe he could, however, do it in a more civilized manner. When Fela disobeys the authorities, he not only gets beaten up, but several of his followers get beaten up and raped as well. Ultimately, the government’s determination to maintain the power that foreign countries had bestowed on them led to attacks on Fela, who was a visionary leader susceptible of rallying people against authority.