Book Description
Fela Kuti: The Founder of Afrobeat, explores the life, music, and revolutionary spirit of one of Africa's most recognizable and brave musicians. From his upbringing in colonial Abeokuta to his rise to fame on the international scene, Fela's path is one of defiance, inventiveness, and unwavering honesty.
This book explores Fela's early influences, which range from Yoruba rhythms to jazz and highlife, as well as his development of Afrobeat, a music that became a weapon of resistance against social injustice, military brutality, and political corruption. Fiona examines Fela's encounters with authoritarian regimes, the renowned Kalakuta Republic, and his radical songs through evocative storytelling. Fela was not just a musician; he was also a rebel, a prophet, and a voice for the voiceless.
The legacy he left behind is also examined in the book, including the ongoing influence of his sons Femi and Seun Kuti, the globalization of Afrobeat, and the cultural homages from Broadway's FELA! to contemporary musicians impacted by his advocacy and sound.
Fela Kuti: The Founder of Afrobeat is a strong homage to a man who refused to be silenced and whose music still inspires pride and resistance around the globe. It is bold, unvarnished, and profoundly personal.