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Fela Kuti: A Revolutionary Force in Music
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, also known as Fela Ransome-Kuti, a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist, stands as a monumental figure in the history of music. His innovative Afrobeat sound, a potent fusion of funk, jazz, highlife, and traditional Yoruba rhythms, transcended mere entertainment, becoming a powerful vehicle for social and political commentary. This article delves into Fela’s life, exploring his musical style, his profound impact on the music world, and his lasting legacy.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela hailed from a prominent family. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a feminist activist and his father, Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, an Anglican minister and teacher. Fela’s background instilled in him a deep sense of social justice, a theme that would later permeate his music.
In 1958, Fela followed in the footsteps of his older brothers by traveling to London to study medicine, however, he switched to music and enrolled at the Trinity College of Music. He formed the band Koola Lobitos, playing a blend of highlife and jazz. A pivotal moment occurred in 1969 when Fela and Koola Lobitos toured the United States. This exposure to the burgeoning Black Power movement and the raw energy of funk and soul music profoundly influenced Fela’s musical and ideological direction.
The Genesis of Afrobeat
Upon returning to Nigeria, Fela changed his band's name to Africa '70. He infused his music with traditional Yoruba music, complex polyrhythms, extended instrumental jams, and politically charged lyrics. His music became a soundtrack of resistance, challenging corruption, inequality, and oppression in post-colonial Nigeria. The Shrine, a nightclub Fela founded in Lagos, became a sanctuary for Afrobeat and a hub for Fela’s outspoken political activism.
Fela’s Unique Musical Style
Afrobeat’s distinctive features include:
Call-and-response vocals: A West African tradition, often featuring social and political messages.
Complex, interlocking rhythms: Driven by a powerful rhythm section.
Prominent horns: Creating an energetic, almost ecstatic atmosphere.
Extended instrumental sections: Showcasing the virtuosity of the musicians.
Socially and politically conscious lyrics: Often sung in Pidgin English, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Fela’s Influence and Legacy
Fela’s influence reverberates throughout various musical genres. Artists like Brian Eno, Paul Simon, and Talking Heads were captivated by his sound and his message. Fela's influence can also be heard in the music of contemporary artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Seun Kuti, his youngest son.
Fela’s impact on Western music can be seen through artists such as Brian Eno and Talking Heads. These artists were inspired by Fela's unique sound and his political message. Fela's music has also influenced other genres such as hip-hop, jazz, and funk.
There's a strong argument to be made that the jam bands, including the Grateful Dead and Phish, have borrowed heavily from Fela’s Afrobeat template, incorporating elements of their original influences of blues and jazz. These bands utilized extended instrumental sections and rhythms that allowed for improvisation. While the lyrics of the Grateful Dead and Phish are not political, they do have a common thread with the spiritual message of Fela Kuti, which was always woven into his music.
A Discography of Resistance
Fela Kuti’s prolific musical output comprises over 50 albums, each a testament to his artistic vision and social commentary:
*1969-Fela's London Scene
*1970-Why Black Man Dey Suffer
*1971-Open & Close
*1971-Shakara
*1972-Roforofo Fight
*1972-Lady
*1973-Gentleman
*1974-Alagbon Close
*1974-He Miss Road
*1975-Expensive Shit
*1975- Kalakuta Show
*1975- Sorrow Tears and Blood
*1975- Everything Scatter
*1976- Na Poi
*1976- Yellow Fever
*1976- Zombie
*1976- Up Side Down
*1977- Stalemate
*1977- J.J.D.(Johnny Just Drop)
*1977- Fear Not For Man
*1977- I.T.T.(International Thief Thief)
*1977- Unknown Soldier
*1979-V.I.P.(Vagabonds in Power)
*1980- Coffin For Head of State
*1980- Music of Many Colours
(This is not an exhaustive list of Fela's discography)
Personal Life and Controversies
Fela’s personal life was as vibrant and controversial as his music. In 1978, he married 27 women, a symbolic act challenging traditional marriage norms. He also had several children, including Femi Kuti, who is the most famous and also followed his father's footsteps. Femi, as an internationally renowned Afrobeat musician and saxophonist, carries forward his father's legacy.
The video in this example shows a performance at the Berliner Jazztage ’78, a pivotal moment in Fela’s career, bringing Afrobeat to a wider global audience. It introduced his music to many for the first time and provided an opportunity for Fela Kuti to share his beliefs with the world. The dancers, musicians and Fela are all dressed in gold-colored outfits, and as the performance progresses, Kuti removes his shirt and plays and dances bare-chested. The music style of the band is energetic and infectious.
Fela introduces many of the band members, including his drummer and long-time friend Tony Allen. Tony Allen, the iconic drummer, played alongside Fela Kuti for over two decades. He played with him through all of the band name changes. Allen’s intricate, polyrhythmic drumming is considered the backbone of Afrobeat and Tony Allen is often referred to as the most important drummer in the genre.
Fela’s outspoken nature and political activism often led to clashes with authorities. His commune, the Kalakuta Republic, was raided and burned to the ground by Nigerian soldiers and Fela was severely beaten, while his mother was thrown from a window, resulting in her death. Kuti also faced arrest and imprisonment on multiple occasions.
Fela’s Enduring Relevance
Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s music and message remain profoundly relevant today. His passionate critiques of social injustice and political corruption continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Why Generations X and Z Should Embrace Fela
In a world increasingly dominated by electronic music and digital production, Fela’s emphasis on live instrumentation and improvisation stands in stark contrast. His call for authentic expression and his focus on the human element in music are especially relevant for younger generations. Fela’s music reminds us of the power of art to challenge, provoke, and inspire change.
Fela’s death from complications related to AIDS on August 2, 1997, marked the end of an era but his legacy continues. His music and message live on through his son and the countless artists he inspired. Fela Kuti’s music is a call to action, a reminder that music can be more than just entertainment; it can be a powerful force for social and political change. His music is raw, full of energy and promotes the beauty of all African cultures.
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Representative James Comer
Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Accountability
2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Subject: Urgent Call for Federal Oversight and Accountability in the Mismanagement and Misuse of Federal Funds in the CNMI
Dear Representative Comer,
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention a matter of grave importance involving the misuse and outright theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds allocated to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). These funds, intended for disaster recovery, pandemic relief, and essential developmental programs, have been systematically defrauded by a network of individuals connected to the CNMI government, including family members, friends, and associates of prominent officials.
Despite my repeated appeals to various federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, no meaningful action has been taken. This letter seeks your Committee's intervention to hold the perpetrators accountable, recover the misappropriated funds, and ensure justice for American taxpayers and the residents of the CNMI.
A Breeding Ground for Corruption
The CNMI, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, has become a haven for corruption. Over $550 million in federal relief and development funds has been misused, mismanaged, or outright stolen. An independent audit conducted by Ernst & Young identified $51.96 million in questioned costs, revealing systemic failures in transparency, accountability, and compliance.
*** Below are the most recent CNMI Audits of Federal Funds*** a Violations in and of itself to conduct audits so far delayed...Non-of the 2022-2023 AUDITS OF FEDERAL FUNDS are Available
These abuses include:
Misuse of Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF): $20.34 million was spent without adequate documentation, flouting basic accountability standards.
Improper Procurement Practices: $18.35 million in expenditures violated procurement regulations, with contracts awarded to insiders without fair competition.
Mismanagement of Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP): Over $3.37 million in food assistance funds were unaccounted for due to failures in reconciling program benefit costs.
Violations of Procurement Rules for SLFRF: $2 million in state and local fiscal recovery funds were spent in disregard of federal procurement regulations.
Systematic Deflection and Lack of Accountability
The CNMI government’s response to these findings has been to deny responsibility, blame auditors, and offer weak promises of corrective action. Governor Arnold Palacios has acknowledged the need for forensic audits, yet no concrete steps have been taken. The newly seated Delegate to Congress, Kimberly King-Hinds, and her husband: CNMI Chief Criminal Prosecutor Chester Hines have similarly refused to investigate these matters, likely due to their own connections to the alleged perpetrators.
The funds stolen from the CNMI have been funneled through various shell companies and quasi-humanitarian groups, including organizations connected to China, Russia and the Philippines. These activities not only undermine the purpose of federal aid but also pose a threat to U.S. national security by enabling foreign entities to benefit from American taxpayer dollars.
My Efforts to Report Fraud and Seek Justice
As an American taxpayer and Program Director of a registered international NGO with valid UEI/NCAGE codes, I have taken every possible step to report this corruption:
Contacting the U.S. Department of the Interior and Treasury Department’s OIG (specifically Ms. Kelly Kardon ) with detailed evidence of fraud.
Offering to provide all related emails, documentation, and current audit reports for review by federal investigators.
Despite these efforts, my calls for action have been ignored, while my organization has received zero funding from the over $1.4 billion allocated to the CNMI in recent years. Instead, funds have been diverted to individuals and entities with ties to the CNMI government.
A Call to Action
I urge the Committee on Oversight and Accountability to:
Initiate Comprehensive Forensic Audits: Examine all federal funds allocated to the CNMI over the past ten years, including ARPA and CARES Act monies.
Investigate Criminal Activity: Probe potential money laundering, fraud, and other criminal activities tied to the misuse of federal funds.
Prosecute Offenders: Ensure those responsible for defrauding taxpayers are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Demand Oversight and Reforms: Require the CNMI government to implement transparent systems for managing federal funds, with periodic reporting to the GAO and Congress.
Closing
This is not a matter of politics but one of justice, accountability, and responsible governance. The American people deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used as intended—to help those in need and to build a brighter future for all. I urge your Committee to take immediate action to investigate and address the corruption in the CNMI.
I am prepared to provide any supporting documentation and further details as required. I can be reached at the contact info below- and look forward to your response.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Zaji Zajradhara
Program Director, CNMIGA.ORG
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