www.africanmusic.org
(October 15, 1938 - August 2, 1997)
Okay, where have I been and why haven't I heard of Fela Kuti before today?
First let me say that the image above is from http://www.afrobeatmusic.net/html/fela_bio.html on which, in addition to the links above the picture, has an excellent biography on Fela Kuti. This will be a tad longer than my other posts because it will include more than just his involvement in jazz.
Fela Kuti was a singer, composer, keyboard, sax and trumpet player, bandleader and politician - that's quite a list. The following is quoted from www.afrobeat.net:
His bands traditionally included the typical huge line-up consisting of many singers and dancers, numerous saxophonists, trumpeteers, drummers, percussionists, and of course, many guitarists blending African rhythms and jazz horn lines with politicized song lyrics. His music was intricate, rather than calling it Afro-beat you might more arguably consider it Afro-jazz. Entire recordings often consisted of just a few songs and this propensity for jamming set up a roadblock for Fela to attain commercial acceptance in the United States.
Kuti continued his outspoken attacks on the Nigerian government. When the people returned to power in 1979, Kuti began his own political party - MOP (Movement of the People). The military returned to power in 1983 and within the year Kuti was sentenced to five years in prison on a spurious currency smuggling charge. He was released in 1986 after yet another change of government.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti died on Saturday, August 2, 1997, at 4pm (local time) in Lagos, Nigeria. It had been rumoured for some time that Fela had a serious illness he was refusing treatment for, many said he was suffering from prostate cancer. But as it turns out, Fela died from complications due to AIDS. As Fela's brother, Olikoye Ransome Kuti, said at a news conference.
The clip below is an excellent short documentary on Fela Kuli.
8 comments:
It's always a great pleasure to read from people who likes Fela !
Thanks for your comment on my Tony Allen post by the way.
You're welcome! Thank you for your comment as well. :-)
ooooooh, I am so excited you visited my blog, cause now I've found yours! Will be back for more!
Hi 2sweetnsaxy,
This is wonderful. I love listening to African music. When I visited South Africa, I made sure to go to a music store and bought a variety of music - not all jazz. It's wonderful to listen to and a treat to hear something different from the normal stuff I hear on the radio here.
Thanks for featuring this. I discovered this talented artist awhile back. I have an affinity for world music.
African music is the beat of the world sis. Those drums speak volumes
Chelsea - I'm so glad you enjoyed it here and I hope you do come back often!
Sandpiper - I really do enjoy African music too and it is beautifully different!
Iriegal - I wish I'd heard of him sooner. He really puts ona show. And, I love African drums!
We have recently become fans of your blog,Fela Anikulapo Kuti, here at Art Meets Commerce, and so we would like to cordially invite you to attend a complimentary performance of Fela! An Afrobeat Musical at 37 ARTS (450 W. 37th St btw 9th & 10th avenues).
Choreographed and Staged by Bill T. Jones
Based on the life of Fela Kuti
In this new musical, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones with a book by Jim Lewis and arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas, audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), Fela! explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. Featuring many of Fela Kuti's most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones's imaginative staging, this new show is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater.
Please Choose a Date:
Tuesday, August 26th at 7pm
Wednesday, August 27th at 8pm
or
Thursday, August 28th at 8pm
For rapid confirmation please respond to jglaub@artmeetscommerce.net. Please include whether or not you will be bringing a guest. We look forward to seeing you at Fela! Visit the website at www.felaoffbroadway.com for more details. I hope you can make it! It should be a lot of fun.
If you cannot make the dates listed above, please know that we will accommodate you.
Sincerely,
Crystal
COOL!
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