Fela is one of the greatest things to come out of Africa, and didn't live to witness his apotheosis, Prolific composer, Poet and master of symbolism, energetic mullti-instrumentalist and you could walk into ten houses in your street with many youths today who haven't heard of him, The ones who do only know of a myth and hemp smoker or the tales of a man who sang and danced on stage with only pants, Laughable.
Fela is loved and even studied everywhere but his own country, He is a course in 22 Colleges in the world as the Father and inventor of Afro-beat music genre but none of those colleges are in Nigeria, the country he bled and died for. The man was an icon, a god. He stood in defiance against authority, open his pineal gland through the constant opening of his mind, to transcend the shackles of religion and social construct, speak to whosoever thought they held power and still make music that will continue to stand the test of time, doing so. He is impossible, phenomenal and even godlike.
To enlighten us here some documentaries that will definitely give you an insight into the life of the greatest Nigerian that ever lived and still continues to live in our mind and Hearts
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Augustine, Omo Iya Aje, Abami Eda, Master Composer, Baba 70
And contrary to what is written on Google Fela was poisoned, which is typical about the way Nigeria takes life of many of her great personalities (see Dora & Chuba). If he died of complication of Hiv/Aids how come none of his wives and queens have died from, or have been diagnosed with the sickness
According to my Uncle Ose, a frequenter of the Fela shrine, from his teen years who regaled me with many tales of the Icon said after the poison had began to take hard, he was supposed to be rushed to his personal Herbalist in Abeokuta when he died, because we all know that Fela was very skeptical about western medicine obviated in the song Big Blind Country where he made mockery of popular Western medicine. Buttressing my opinion is this Dede Mabiaku video of when Fela told him, that he had been pricked unbeknownst
WATCH IT HERE
However nothing can change the legacy and teaching of this immortal, who will continue to point at the same ills of the Nigerian society even two decades after his death.
My advice to anyone like me who draws strength and inspiration from his life and his music, sing your truth, one day someone will understand and believe you I am a staunch believer in Fela and even though many Nigerians still don't understand him i know they will because He said the truth and his Music is and will be the Weapon of our Future
- With great admiration
Victor Samuel
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