Profession: Afrobeat Musician and Composer
Biography: Fela Kuti, also known as Abami Eda, was a Nigerian musician known for his early contributions to the Afrobeat genre which combined West African and American influences, notably funk and jazz.
The Kalakuta Republic was the name Kuti gave to a communal compound which he founded along with his family and bandmates, which in 1970 declared its independence from Nigeria. The compound was destroyed by the Nigerian military in 1977.
Kuti remained politically active, using the platform provided by his band Africa 70 to criticize the Nigerian military junta which ruled the nation at the time. He was imprisoned in 1984 under the government of Muhammadu Buhari.
After his release from prison, Kuti continued to produce music during the 1980s and 1990s.
Born: October 15, 1938
Birthplace: Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Libra
Died: August 2, 1997 (aged 58)
Cause of Death: An illness, disputedly AIDS related,
Historical Events
- 1977-02-17 Kalakuta Republic, commune of Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti, burnt to the ground by soldiers in Lagos
- 1984-06-22 Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England opens: Weather Report, The Smiths, and Black Uhuru headline; other performers include: Ian Dury, Joan Baez, The Waterboys, Fela Kuti, General Public, Dr. John, Fairport Convention, Christy Moore, Brass Construction, The Staple Singers, Billy Bragg, and Amazulu,
- 1984-09-04 Nigerian singer Fela Kuti sentenced to 2 years on politically motivated charges of currency smuggling
- 1993-01-21 Nigerian singer Fela Kuti arrested on suspicion of murder
- 1993-03-08 Nigerian singer Fela Kuti arrested again on suspicion of murder
- 2009-11-23 "Fela!", based on music and lyrics by Nigerian singer Fela Kuti, opens on Broadway
- 2011-01-02 "Fela!", based on music and lyrics by Nigerian singer Fela Kuti, closes on Broadway after 463 performances and 3 Tony awards
Biographies and Sources
- FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI, NIGERIA'S MUSICAL ACTIVIST - NY Times
- Fela! - Broadway Musical -Original - IBDB
Elizabeth Maconchy
Jean Sibelius
Melvin Van Peebles
Bill Withers
Lenny Kravitz
Seal