Fela Kuti: Fear No Man 2: Becoming Fela
Oct 15, 2025
Sandra Isidore, a singer and influential figure in Fela Kuti's life, shares vivid stories from their time together in Los Angeles and Lagos. Listeners learn about Fela's transformative journey into a pan-Africanist revolutionary, significantly shaped by their relationship. The podcast delves into Fela's musical evolution influenced by jazz and funk, his early struggles in Nigeria, and the birth of Afrobeat. Notably, Sandra's introduction of pivotal texts reshaped Fela's worldview, leading him toward politically charged music that resonated globally.
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State Violence And Unbowed Defiance
- Fela repeatedly endured brutal police and army beatings and even saw his mother thrown from a roof and killed.
- Despite torture and repeated arrests, he never backed down and said persecution made him stronger.
Transformation Needs Historical Convergence
- Fela's transformation required forces across continents and cultures to align at the right time.
- His journey from colonial-trained musician to political agitator was shaped by global musical and political currents.
Classical Training Meets Jazz Pilgrimage
- Fela studied classical music at Trinity College in London and sneaked into jazz clubs to hear giants like Miles Davis.
- His early recordings, like "Amici's Blues," show clear Miles Davis influences.
