Crews | Day 11 | Fela Kuti and the Birth of AfroBeat

The year is 1971.

You are standing outside of the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Waiting.

The line is long. The air is thick with a tenor of brassy soul and a gut-churning rhythm that makes you drop into your own hips.

The jolt of the familiar.

You are here.

There.

The birth of AfroBeat.

This was no brightly colored music video.

No.

This was a vivid spiritual and socio-political war. A people’s rebellion underscored with white tribal paint under beautiful women’s eyes. An ancient inquisition dotting their foreheads. Fela Kuti, his crew of wives, his commune, and his continent of followers challenged the state and disrupted the status quo. Their courage was met with violence that resulted in the funeral procession of the matriarch of the movement.

Let’s pay our respects.

Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to the music or speech excepts reference or played during this broadcast. You can find original content that was referenced or played here:

Kere Kay | FELA! Original Broadway Cast, Sahr Ngaujah:

https://open.spotify.com/track/1gHgbEBIznkYzS5rd3gbfy?si=6ae1c642d8c14532

Zombie | Fela Kuti, Afrika 70:

https://open.spotify.com/track/11GDQVqIEKAB4QKOcIVOvG?si=2c139a4fda614af6

Coffin for Head of State | Fela Kuti:

https://open.spotify.com/track/7d8PADmEkMERzZ3b1EEnzO?si=b7e9fd1244764996

Water No Get Enemy | Fela Kuti:

https://open.spotify.com/track/43ile6cBzr9uaC4bJf6J3N?si=7b57a7583c1b4aad