Strong Songs

The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad

10 snips
Nov 14, 2025
Guest
Jad Abumrad
Jad Abumrad, a Peabody Award-winning podcaster known for his work on Radiolab, discusses his ambitious 12-part series on Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. He dives into the historical context and musical innovations that shaped Fela's legacy. Jad shares his journey from music composition to audio storytelling and reflects on how Fela's experiences in America influenced his sound. They explore the transformative atmosphere of Fela's Shrine in Lagos and how his music served as a political weapon, enchanting audiences while addressing pressing social issues.
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INSIGHT

Story Grew With Research

  • Jad expanded the Fela series from a small idea into 12 episodes after extensive interviews revealed a much larger story to tell.
  • He argues Fela's life required broad historical and musical context to be understood properly.
ANECDOTE

Practice Room Childhood

  • Jad describes being placed in a music practice room as a child because his parents couldn't afford daycare, which shaped his musical life.
  • He recalls music feeling like the only clear future and committed early to a life in music.
INSIGHT

Finding A Radio Voice

  • Jad found combining voice and music in radio both terrifying and like coming home, discovering the medium fulfilled his creative desires.
  • Speaking into a microphone required long practice before he found his authentic voice.
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