The Icon Of Afrobeat

_{Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the originator of afrobeat}

Afrobeat is one of the most popular genres of music in the world and has a large passionate audience. It is a powerful form of music that engages its audience to think critically and has been in existence for over five decades with its root traced back to Africa.

The originator of afrobeat is Fela Anikulapo Kuti. He is an African of Nigerian extraction who rose to prominence for his artistic creation. Fela's foray into the world of music is quite interesting. His parents had sent him to London in the late nineteen - fifties to study medicine to train as a doctor but his passion for music was stronger and he chose the latter in college. Fela formed his first musical band while in college and performed in different parts of the world. His type of music was different as it had elements of other genres of music like jazz, highlife, funk, and fuji to mention a few. He called his genre of music afrobeat.

Fela was a musician who not only entertained his audience with his music but also used it as a medium to talk about important social and political issues. The theme of his music was built on this premise. He was a social activist and critic who criticised the Nigerian military government for corruption, imprudence with the nation's resources, and the unfair treatment of its citizens. He became a symbol of justice to Nigerians for his outspoken nature against the government which seemed to oppress them. His music and acts of activism became popular amongst Nigerians but were thorns in the flesh of the military government.

The criticisms and actions of Fela against the military government however had dire consequences. He was a regular target of brutality as he, his family, and members of his music band were beaten and assaulted on numerous occasions by the military. His house, material possessions, and musical instruments were always destroyed in the process. He was also arrested so many times and spent time in jail without trial. He was jailed by the military government in 1984 and spent twenty months there before being released in 1986. However, with all the attacks on him and his family, Fela remained obstinate and still maintained his views about the government. He continued to criticise and sing against the unethical practices of the military government.

Fela was also critical of other governments outside Nigeria. He spoke and sang against the racial discrimination of black people in South Africa and released an album to this course titled "Beast of No Nation". The title of the album was a reference to a statement made by the then South African President Pieter Willie Botha who had said the growing opposition by South Africans to apartheid in the country will unleash the beast in his administration against them. President Botha boldly and openly threatened to attack his people if they continued to oppose apartheid. He acted in a manner that a great leader would never do and Fela deemed this to be wrong. He used his music to address this issue.

Afrobeat was also used to promote African culture by Fela. The costumes worn by him and members of his band were african native attires. The female dancers in his band also performed energetic african dancers in awe of their audience whenever they had to perform. Fela also sang most of his lyrics in Pidgin English and Yoruba language. Pidgin English is one language that is widely spoken in West Africa. Fela did this to enable his African audience to relate to his lyrics in a manner that they can comprehend and also enjoy. He saw his music as a message that had to be delivered to his audience in the most convenient way possible.

_{Burna boy, International contemporary music artiste}

_{Wizkid, International contemporary music artiste}

Afrobeat was more than music to Fela. It was a social, political, and cultural movement that advocated for justice, progress, portrayal of african culture, discernment, critical thinking, freedom of self-expression, and dignity. This concept of afrobeat music has persisted from that period in time to the present day. Some contemporary international artistes like Burna boy and Wizkid who come from Africa and stage big concerts all over the world have cited Afrobeat as a major influence in their development as musicians and employ it in their craft. The genre of music performed by these artistes was born out of afrobeat.

Fela's creation; afrobeat, has been a blessing to the world. It is not just a genre of music but an agent of social, political, and cultural change. It serves as a voice for the oppressed and strength for the weak. It is a form of art that has reinvigorated the minds of its audience and awakened their consciousness. A legacy of a true craftsman! Long live afrobeat!

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