Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
Higher Ground
In a world that’s on fire, what is the role of art? What can music actually…do?Can a song save a life? Change a law? Topple a president? Get you killed?In Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, Jad Abumrad—creator of Radiolab, More Perfect, and Dolly Parton's America—tells the story of one of the great political awakenings in music: how a classically trained 'colonial boy' traveled to America, in search of Africa, only to return to Nigeria and transform his sound into a battering ram against the state—creating a new musical language of resistance called Afrobeat.For years, the world’s biggest stars made pilgrimages to Nigeria to experience Fela’s Shrine, the epicenter of his musical revolution. But when the mix of art and activism got too hot, the state pulled out its guns, and literally opened fire.Fela Kuti: Fear No Man is an uncategorizable mix of oral history, musicology, deep dive journalism, and cutting edge sound design that takes listeners deep inside Fela’s life, music, and legacy.Drawing from over 200 interviews with Fela Kuti’s family, friends, as well as scholars, activists, and luminaries like Burna Boy, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Santigold, and former President Barack Obama (just to name a few), Fela Kuti: Fear No Man journeys deep into the soul of Afrobeat to explore the transformative power of art and the role artists can play in this current moment of global unrest.An Audible Original presented by Audible and Higher Ground. Produced by Western Sound and Talkhouse.©2025 Higher Ground, LLC (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 19, 2025 • 43min
9: Things Will Collide
Dotun Ayobade, a professor who provides insightful analysis on Fela Kuti and 1970s Nigeria, joins Laide Kuti, Fela's former partner, to discuss the harrowing 1977 raid on the Kalakuta Republic. They delve into the political turmoil following the military's crackdown on Fela's activism, describing brutal acts of violence and humiliation witnessed firsthand. Laide shares her chilling experience during the raid, while Dotun explains how Fela's defiance through music intensified the military's wrath, marking a significant turning point in Nigeria's history.
Nov 12, 2025 • 23min
8: Zombie
Santigold, the genre-blending singer-songwriter, joins the discussion to explore the impact of Fela Kuti’s iconic song, 'Zombie.' She shares how the song stirred powerful reactions within families and communities upon its release, highlighting its fearless defiance against authority. Santigold reflects on her own connection to Fela’s music and the motivation behind her cover for a school fundraiser. The conversation dives into how 'Zombie' inspired courage among listeners and became a symbol of public resistance, while Santigold delivers a stunning rendition.
Nov 12, 2025 • 42min
7: Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense
Mabinuri Kayode Idou (Aidi) and Duro Ikujenyo join to discuss their pivotal roles in Fela Kuti's movement. They share how Fela transformed from a musician to a political educator, inspiring them to embrace decolonization and reclaim their identities. Aidi recalls his eye-opening encounter with Fela’s radical ideas, while Duro reflects on the influence of American pop culture. Their conversations uncover the power of literature in their education and the formation of the Movement of the People, advocating for cultural reforms in Nigeria.
Nov 5, 2025 • 46min
6: The Queens
In this engaging discussion, Dotun Ayobade, an assistant professor known for his research on Fela's Queens, joins Laide and Chinieri, former members of Fela Kuti's Kalakuta commune. They dive into the complexities of life in the commune, revealing how the queens shaped Afrobeat's sound and stage presence. Laide and Chinieri share their motivations for joining, the blend of liberation and oppression they experienced, and the challenges faced, including violence and political strife, all while asserting their autonomy and artistic contributions.
Oct 29, 2025 • 40min
5: Trickster Makes the World
Fela Kuti's antics and music created a bold fusion of defiance and creativity. The exploration of Yoruba trickster Ishu reveals how humor can reshape reality. Tales of Fela's arrest and the 'expensive shit' saga highlight his art's resilience against oppression. His confrontation with Decca Records over unpaid royalties illustrates a refusal to be exploited. Raids and violence constantly fueled his songwriting, while his unique method of composing became a form of resistance. Fela's words and ideas remain influential in public discourse, challenging societal norms.
14 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 55min
4: Vengeance of the Vagina Head
Cheryl Johnson Odom, a historian who unearthed vital materials on Fela Kuti's mother, and Judith Byfield, an expert archivist of the Kuti family legacy, delve into Fela's roots of activism. They reveal how Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti's ladies' club morphed into a powerful political movement, addressing taxation injustices. The discussion highlights compelling protests, including the symbolic 'sitting on a man' and the impact of the women's union on political landscapes, showing how Fela's revolutionary spirit was deeply influenced by his mother's legacy.
Oct 22, 2025 • 28min
3: Enter the Shrine
The Shrine emerged as a sanctuary of freedom amidst a harsh dictatorship. Visitors describe the electric energy and sensory shock upon entering this vibrant club in Lagos. Fela's radical return from America spurred his prolific music era in the '70s. The Shrine's atmosphere buzzed with open defiance, characterized by smoky nights and an intense communal vibe. Listeners experienced music that felt transformative, as Fela wove intricate grooves, pulling them into a trance. His performances served as a powerful platform for political messages, branding music as both weapon and information.
Oct 15, 2025 • 56min
2: Becoming Fela
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.
19 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 38min
1: To Hell and Back
In this enlightening discussion, Dele Shosemi, a Nigerian-born keyboardist who played with Fela Kuti's Egypt 80, shares his transformative journey. He vividly recounts meeting Fela and the profound impact of that encounter on his life. Dele delves into the harrowing night of his father's murder, Fela's surprising empathy, and how music became a source of healing for him. He also highlights the intense rehearsal culture in Fela's band and the unique way performances became an engaging dialogue with the audience.
Oct 7, 2025 • 2min
Introducing Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
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