Once upon a time, there lived a man, who refused to be intimidated or conform to the biased norms and behavior of those in power in his country and around the world. He had a talent, one that spoke volume and pierced even the thickest of hearts. He fought injustice and sought for fairness amidst his people through his music and his art. His opinions weren’t censored in a time when almost everyone sat on their hands and bit their tongues in fear. He sang and performed all over the world, giving hope to the hopeless while he gave them reasons to smile and live on in expectation of a better tomorrow.
20 years after the death of the “Abami Eda” as he is foundry called, Fela Anikulapo Ransom Kuti still lives on in the hearts of those who were around in his time and even the new generation. His music and humanitarian acts have continued to influence young and old talents all over the world.
His legacy will never be forgotten in Africa and the world at large. In honor of late pioneer of Afrobeat, celebrating his 79th posthumous birthday, a 25ft statue titled “liberation” will be unveiled by the Lagos state government at Allen roundabout Ikeja, the same axis as his Kalakuta museum. The statue is a way the Lagos state government intends to celebrate iconic figures, who have contributed to the development of the state.
Fela was born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, In the year 1938. He was multi talented singer, and instrumentalist, he is also the pioneer of the Afro beat genre. He was/is famous for his opposition against tyranny and corruption amidst African leaders, especially in his home country Nigeria. Throughout his lifetime he fought for the oppressed despite, threats, harassment, and even wrongful imprisonment by the Nigerian government.
