On August 2, 1997, legendary Nigerian singer Fela Kuti died at the age of 58. Reports indicated that the famous singer and activist allegedly died of AIDS-related complications in Lagos, Nigeria.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
Approximately 1 million people attended his funeral procession, which began at Tafawa Balewa Square and ended at Kuti’s home, Kalakuta, in Ikeja, Nigeria, where he was laid to rest in the front yard.
Nigeria Stories on X: “Fela Kuti and his band perform at Lekki, Lagos, 1992. https://t.co/GZQ3jnJ9jU” / X
Fela Kuti pioneered a unique style of music called “Afrobeat” at a time when it was relatively unknown and unpopular in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. His music, which strongly opposed oppressive regimes, came at a heavy cost as he faced several persecutions from the authorities.
Some of his rebellious songs include “Zombie,” where he criticized Nigerian soldiers’ blind obedience to orders from despotic rulers, and “V.I.P. (Vagabonds in Power),” which aimed to empower the oppressed masses to rise up against the government. Consequently, Kuti was arrested 200 times and endured numerous beatings but continued to write political lyrics, producing 50 albums before his death.
Remembering Fela , 25 years after. – THISDAY Style
Today, the Afrobeats genre Fela pioneered has become highly popular, with several Nigerian Afrobeats singers achieving global fame and winning numerous awards. This genre has gained international recognition, with artists from other countries also embracing it.
Fela Kuti
Fela’s legacy remains celebrated, especially as his songs about oppressive leaders in Nigeria still resonate with the country’s current realities. His music continues to be popular among fans and admirers who frequent the New Africa Shrine, also known as Fela Shrine, in Ikeja. An annual event called “Felabration” is held to celebrate Fela and his legacy, attracting massive crowds from across the country.
Other key events on this day
1. Adolph Hitler becomes commander-in-chief of Germany – 1934
2. President Warren G. Harding dies before scandals break – 1923
3. China, hit by a typhoon; about 60,000 died – 1922
4. The deadliest war in Africa, Second Congo War began – 1998
5. The Arab Federation was dissolved – 1948
6. The Potsdam Conference, convened to negotiate the terms of the end of WW II, ended – 1945
7. Napoleon declared “Counsel for Life” – 1802
8. Former President Gerald Ford suffered a stroke during the Republican National Convention – 2004
9. Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait, Emir flees to Saudi Arabia – 1990.
