alt Hacker NewsFela Kuti First African to Get Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award
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I can't tell whether the words to Fela Kuti's "Water No Get Enemy" are profound or trite.
But I can declare with 100% confidence that this song *rocks*! Go check it out.
Fela bled for Nigeria—literally.
He carried scars on his back from police and soldier beatings meant to silence him for speaking against the government. His houses and estate were set ablaze. His land was seized by the government and never returned.
His mother was thrown off a building by soldiers.
Yet, the very people he fought for chose to focus on his vices and mocked him for them.
I’m glad he finally got this award.
I recommend this excellent podcast (episode) that is dedicated to going over his life and impact. Incredible person and story!
Did anyone see Fela, the musical? It was so good. https://felakuti.com/us/legacy/fela-the-musical?
Can't say I'm surprised. Well deserved!
Long time coming. All these years later, still heavy in my daily rotation.
Beasts of no Nation is a personal favorite!
Next: Fela Tio
If you are not familiar with Fela Kuti, he's like the James Brown of Afro-Pop. His music is super funky and amazing, and his family history is fascinating. Highly reccomended.
hello,
i discovered fela anikulapo kutis music back in the 2nd half of the 1980ties - still a big fan!! :)
cheers,
a..z
It’s sad that we don’t have recordings of his work, and all we really have are people’s recollections of him.
Afrobeat (of which Fela Kuti pioneered) and Afro-rock are genuinely some of the coolest fusion genres to ever exist.
If you need an introduction, the Nigeria 70 compilation is a great place to start:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upN0WEbFmUY&list=OLAK5uy_nQZ...