Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on October 15, 1938, was a pioneering Nigerian musician, bandleader, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist. Widely recognized as the King of Afrobeat, Fela created a unique musical genre that blended West African rhythms with African-American funk and jazz. His music was not only characterized by infectious rhythms and electrifying performances but also by its powerful social commentary.

Fela's songs frequently addressed societal injustices, corruption, and sensitive topics like religion and spirituality. His fearless critiques of Nigeria's military juntas during the 1970s made him a prominent political activist and an outspoken critic of the government. His music served as a sociopolitical voice that resonated internationally, earning him recognition from AllMusic as a figure of significant influence.

Coming from a family with a strong legacy of activism, Fela's mother, Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was an anti-colonial feminist who led the Abeokuta Women's Riots in 1946, while his father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was an Anglican minister and educator. Their active participation in Nigeria's anti-colonial movement profoundly influenced Fela's own activism and commitment to social justice.

In 1970, Fela founded the Kalakuta Republic, a commune that he declared independent from military rule. The commune became a symbol of resistance and a hub for artistic and political expression. However, it was destroyed in a brutal raid by the Nigerian military in 1978, during which Fela was severely injured and his mother later died from injuries sustained in the attack.

Despite facing imprisonment by the government of Muhammadu Buhari in 1984, Fela continued to record and perform, maintaining his artistic and political fervor until his death on August 2, 1997, from complications related to AIDS. His legacy endures through the continued influence of his music and the efforts of his son, Femi Kuti, who oversees reissues and compilations of Fela's work. Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì's contributions to music, activism, and African culture remain profoundly impactful and enduring.

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