Dolly Parton's America Jad Abumrad’s new show - Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
Oct 15, 2025
Dele Shosemi, a London-based musician and former keyboardist for Fela Kuti's Egypt 80, shares his powerful journey and connection to Fela's music. He discusses how Fela's sounds served as a form of therapy and political liberation amid Nigeria's tumultuous history. Dele recounts moving back to Nigeria, meeting Fela, and the profound impact of music on healing trauma. Their conversation emphasizes the emotional depth of Afrobeat and its ability to connect people, illustrating Fela's lasting legacy in both art and activism.
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Afrobeat: Dance Music Built For Resistance
- Fela Kuti fused jazz, funk and African polyrhythms to create Afrobeat with resistance baked into it.
- His music became both irresistible dance music and a direct challenge to political power.
A Boyhood Shattered By Political Violence
- At 12, Dele's father uncovered massive bank fraud and was later murdered in a brutal home attack.
- That trauma shaped Dele's youth and set the stage for his later encounter with Fela.
Fela's Unexpected Compassion
- When Dele met Fela, Fela asked compassionately about his mother's coping and offered concrete support.
- That unexpected care transformed Dele into a devoted follower and musician in Fela's band.