Fela Kuti

Nigeria, 1958–1997

Nigerian bandleader and activist (1938-1997) who invented Afrobeat - highlife and Yoruba rhythm welded to James Brown's funk and modern jazz, stretched into half-hour grooves. His Kalakuta Republic and open attacks on military rule made his music a political weapon he paid dearly for.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Fela Kuti and 2 artists Fela Kuti influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Fela Kuti?

• James Brown — James Brown was decisive for Fela - as innovator, bandleader and personality. Afrobeat is Brown's funk rebuilt on Yoruba rhythm and stretched to fill a whole side.
• Miles Davis — Fela trained as a musician on modern jazz and was strongly drawn to Miles Davis - the harmonic and improvisational side of Afrobeat comes from there.

Which artists did Fela Kuti influence?

• Talking Heads — Fela's Afrodisiac was on constant rotation while the band made Remain in Light and became its template - the polyrhythmic, riff-looping approach that no rock record had used before.
• Brian Eno — Eno shared the band's immersion in Fela and brought that African polyrhythm into his own production method on Remain in Light and after.