‘A Unique Figure In Music History’ – Barack Obama Hails Afrobeat Legend Fela Kuti

Barack Obama’s Tribute to Fela Kuti: A ‘Unique Figure in Music History’ and the Launch of ‘Fear No Man’

In a stirring nod to one of Africa’s most enduring musical revolutionaries, former U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti as a “unique figure in music history” whose innovative sound blended artistry with unyielding activism. The praise, delivered in a personal video message shared across Obama’s social media platforms on October 22, 2025, coincides with the launch of a new 12-episode podcast series, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, produced by Higher Ground—the media company co-founded by Obama and his wife, Michelle. The project not only celebrates Kuti’s legacy but also underscores his enduring influence on global culture, from funk-infused rhythms to Pan-African resistance.

Obama’s endorsement arrived at a poignant moment: The podcast dropped on Kuti’s birthday, October 15, aligning with the annual Felabration festival in Lagos, Nigeria, where thousands gather to honor the icon’s life and music. “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man is a new podcast from Higher Ground that tells the story of a musical genius from Nigeria who made some music that I really love—combining funk, jazz, and soul into a whole new genre called Afrobeat,” Obama said in the clip. “It’s a beautiful show about a unique figure in music history who mixed art with activism. I can’t wait for you to hear it.” The series, hosted by acclaimed journalist Jad Abumrad (of Radiolab fame), draws from over 200 interviews, weaving oral histories with archival audio to explore Kuti’s life—from his childhood witnessing his mother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s anti-colonial protests to his defiant stand against Nigeria’s military regimes.

Fela Kuti: The Afrobeat Architect and Activist Icon

Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela Kuti transformed West African highlife and juju with American jazz and funk influences, birthing Afrobeat in the late 1960s. His music wasn’t mere entertainment; it was a weapon. Tracks like “Zombie” (1976) lambasted military obedience, while “Sorrow, Tears, and Blood” (1977) skewered corruption, earning him the moniker “Abami Eda” (the weird one). Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic—a self-proclaimed commune in Lagos—doubled as a creative haven and political fortress, raided over 200 times by authorities, culminating in the 1977 Black Friday assault that killed his mother and injured dozens.

Kuti’s activism extended beyond borders: He ran for Nigerian president in 1979, drawing thousands to his rallies, and inspired global figures from Paul McCartney to Burna Boy. His discography—over 50 albums—fuses polyrhythmic grooves with Yoruba chants and saxophone solos, influencing everyone from Talking Heads to Vampire Weekend. Yet, his personal life was as turbulent: Polygamous with 27 wives at his peak, Kuti battled addiction and AIDS, succumbing to the latter in 1997 at age 58. Today, his sons Femi and Seun Kuti carry the torch with Egypt 80, while grandson Mádé Kuti embodies the next wave.

Fela Kuti’s Legacy at a Glance

The Podcast: Fear No Man – A Sonic Time Capsule

Produced in partnership with Talkhouse and Western Sound, Fear No Man isn’t a hagiography—it’s a raw excavation. Hosted by Abumrad, it spans Kuti’s genealogy of resistance, from his mother’s Abeokuta Women’s Union to his Shrine as a “university of life.” Guests include Kuti family members (Yeni, Femi, and Mádé), global stars (Paul McCartney, David Byrne, Questlove, Santigold, Ayo Edebiri, Burna Boy), and scholars unpacking Afrobeat’s Pan-African roots.

The series blends oral history, sound design, and rare tapes, tracing how Kuti’s “fear no man” ethos—forged in London’s jazz clubs and Nigeria’s prisons—ignited a movement. Episode 1 dropped exclusively on Audible on October 15, with weekly releases on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. “It’s about a man who turned pain into power,” Abumrad teases, promising episodes on Kuti’s 1981 European tour (where he clashed with customs over his 27 wives) and his influence on hip-hop’s conscious wave.

Obama’s involvement adds gravitas: As a self-proclaimed Afrobeat aficionado (he’s cited “Zombie” in playlists), his Higher Ground—Oscar winners for American Factory (2019)—brings prestige and reach. Michelle Obama, in a producer’s note, emphasized the project’s timeliness: “Fela’s story reminds us that art can dismantle oppression.”

Global Resonance: From Lagos to the White House

The tribute has ignited a firestorm of pride across Africa and the diaspora. On X, #FelaKutiFearNoMan exploded with posts like “Obama gets it—Fela wasn’t just music; he was revolution!” from @FemiKuti (2K+ likes). Nigerian media hailed it as “vindication,” with outlets like Leadership NG calling Kuti a “musical genius” whose fusion “created a powerful global movement.” Burna Boy, a featured voice, tweeted: “Fela’s spirit lives—thanks, Obama, for amplifying the ancestors.”

For U.S. listeners, the podcast spotlights Afrobeat’s transatlantic ties: Kuti’s 1971 U.S. tour inspired the Black Power movement, and his sound echoes in Beyoncé’s Black Is King. Economically, it boosts Nigeria’s creative economy (Afrobeat streams hit $100M globally in 2024), while culturally, it bridges generations—Questlove’s episode dissects Kuti’s influence on hip-hop sampling.

Obama’s Must-Listen Afrobeat Picks (From His Playlists)

As Fear No Man rolls out, it promises to reintroduce Kuti to new ears—proving his “black president” vision still pulses. In Obama’s words: Fela wasn’t just a musician; he was a movement. Tune in, and feel the beat of history.

By Sam Michael

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