Singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (1938-1997) was one of Africa's most important musicians of the twentieth century. Coming from a middle-class Nigerian family, Kuti was given the opportunity to study medicine in England. However, Kuti enrolled at London's Trinity College of Music. On his return to Nigeria (in the 1960s) he created Afro-beat / Afro-pop. After becoming
… acquainted with Malcolm X's autobiography (presented by a member of the Black Panthers during a tour of America), Kuti also became politically active and from then on strived for democracy and equal rights for all Africans, through music and political actions. The unstoppable rebel Kuti was a thorn in the side of the authorities and was continuously opposed by them. During the eighties he even spent several years in prison. In 1997, Kuti died of AIDS-related complications. His musical impact was as great as his political influence. The many recordings with successively his bands Koola Lobitos, Nigeria 70, Africa 70 and Egypt 80 are impressive. In the double album "The best best of Fela Kuti" by Universal a selection has been made from this large number of songs. Typical of Kuti's Afro-beat (Afro-jazz is perhaps a more accurate name) is the combination of a prominent horn section, vocal 'call and response' with an energetic African groove. (SvdP) The many recordings with successively his bands Koola Lobitos, Nigeria 70, Africa 70 and Egypt 80 are impressive. In the double album "The best best of Fela Kuti" by Universal a selection has been made from this large number of songs. Typical of Kuti's Afro-beat (Afro-jazz is perhaps a more accurate name) is the combination of a prominent horn section, vocal 'call and response' with an energetic African groove. (SvdP) The many recordings with successively his bands Koola Lobitos, Nigeria 70, Africa 70 and Egypt 80 are impressive. In the double album "The best best of Fela Kuti" by Universal a selection has been made from this large number of songs. Typical of Kuti's Afro-beat (Afro-jazz is perhaps a more accurate name) is the combination of a prominent horn section, vocal 'call and response' with an energetic African groove. (SvdP) with an energetic African groove. (SvdP) with an energetic African groove. (SvdP)more
