The Current Searching for Fela Kuti
Nov 24, 2025
Jad Abumrad, renowned creator and host of podcast hits like Radiolab, dives deep into the life and music of Fela Kuti in his latest series. He explores Fela's revolutionary Afrobeat, shaped by Nigeria's tumultuous history and personal experiences. Jad reveals how Sandra Isidore's influence transformed Fela's music into a political force and recounts his defiant confrontations with authority. He also addresses Fela's complexities, including his flaws and legacy, while pondering the ongoing power of music to inspire political change today.
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Music As A Political Weapon
- Fela transformed Afrobeat into a political weapon that mobilized youth without using arms.
- His music repeatedly catalyzed protest and returned as anthems in later movements.
From Party Music To Deep Research
- Jad first knew Fela as party music before researching his life for the podcast.
- Research revealed deep political and personal rabbit holes that reshaped the project.
Timing Met A Growing Void
- Fela arrived in Nigeria amid post-independence disillusionment after the Biafran War.
- He filled a political and cultural void and attracted tens of thousands of young followers.
