Fela Kuti’s Enduring Groove: Celebrating Afrobeat Rebellion at Felabration 2025
Introduction Fela Anikulapo Kuti (1938–1997), the Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and founder of Afrobeat, crafted a transformative musical genre blending West African highlife, jazz, funk, and Yoruba rhythms into a potent vehicle for socio-political critique. His compositions, such as "Zombie" (1976) and "Coffin for Head of State" (1980), challenged authoritarianism, colonialism, and systemic injustice, positioning him as a global icon of resistance. Kuti’s confrontational artistry, rooted in Pan-Africanist ideology, led to over 200 arrests and shaped a legacy that continues to inspire contemporary musicians and activists worldwide. Felabration on the other, is an annual festival initiated in 1998 by Kuti’s daughter, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, commemorates his life and contributions. Held at the New Africa Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria, from October 13–19, 2025, to mark Fela’s birthday, Felabration 2025 encapsulates Afrobe...