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  The
Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti is arguably one of the greatest African Jazz artist
that ever lived. He was a revolutionary in every sense. He was constantly
at odds with the various corrupt military and and civil governments of Nigeria.
His outspoken nature regularly landed him in Jail and even got his mother
murdered by the Military Junta, which ruled Nigeria at that time.
Fela was originally christened at birth Fela Ransome Kuti, he came from
a long line of true revolutionaries, with his mother, Mrs. Ransome Kuti
being the most prominent and respected member of the Ransome Kuti family.
However Fela, realising that the word Ransome in his surname was inherited
from a time when the British ruled Nigeria, changed his name to Fela Anikulapo
Kuti.
 Calacutta
Republic was the name Fela's home was commonly called. It served as a refuge
for many homeless, underprivelleged and disenchanted Nigerian youths. During
his short but eventful life, he was committed to enlightening all Black
people of the world about their plight and how they should take pride in
their rich but almost forgotten History. His believes made him friends with
people like the late Malcom X.
Unfortunately Fela never received the gratitude he deserved before his death,
for his zeal and inspiration in fighting for equal rights, Justice and empowerment
of the under-privileged Black people of this world. |
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