Fela Kuti was a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and political activist who was born in Nigeria in 1938. He was a pioneer of afrobeat, a style which combines elements of funk, soul and jazz with West African styles such as highlife and performance techniques. Fela has influenced many musicians including Gilberto Gil, Bilal, Paul McCartney, KOKOROKO and many many others. A musical called Fela! was created about his life and music which was nominated for 11 Tony Awards.
Ideas for discussion questions:
What was happening in Nigeria in the 1970's?
How are the musicians communicating with each other?
How would you describe the form of this song?
What do you think about Fela's introduction to the song?
Was there anything surprising about the performance?
*this song contains a couple moments of profanity*