To some he was a great composer and bandleader, to others a prophet, to others a revolutionary -- and Fela Anikulapo Kuti inhabited all of these spaces simultaneously.  Born in Nigeria, Fela was Africa's first international cultural icon.

In The Afrobeat Revolutionary hosted by recording artist Neneh Cherry (daughter of the late jazz trumpeter Don Cherry), we learn the story of the dramatic life of Fela Kuti who created the music now known as Afrobeat. We also come to understand  the arc of his life to which he devoted to protesting for the human rights of Nigerians and other Africans, and the high price he paid for it.

A trip to the U.S. in the late 1960's changed Fela's music and politics forever.  He became involved in the fusion jazz/rock scene.  He was also exposed to the excitement of the Black Consciousness movement, in which blacks in America were embracing their African culture and heritage with pride.

The sound Fela created known as Afrobeat combines jazz, funk and African highlife, over a beat that is funky to the core, and hypnotic.  He composed for his huge band that included a horn section, a guitar section, multiple percussion instruments, a chorus and dancers.  Fela lead the band vocally, also playing baritone saxophone and keyboards.

His performances were mesmerizing, but it was his lyrics which made him an enemy of the state.  He sang about the injustices of military rule in Africa, corrupt officials and the suffering of the poor.  Jailed over 200 times, he kept going, performing right up to the end of his life.

During his lifetime, many international artists sojourned to  his club which was called "The Shrine" including Paul McCartney, Ginger Baker, Stevie Wonder and the James Brown Band.  

With the story of his life now portrayed in the Broadway musical, Fela has become a hero to a new generation of artists that include jazz artists Roy Hargrove and Robert Glasper, rap artists Common and Mos Def, neo-soul artists Macy Gray and D'Angelo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, his son Femi Kuti and more.

Filled with many of Fela's voice clips, his music, and the remembrances of over 20 people who knew him well, it's a compelling listen. 

Supported by NPR Distribution

and the Public Radio Satellite System