WKCR announces a 48-hour birthday celebration for Fela Kuti, broadcast on FM and HD radio and online from 00:00 on Tuesday, October 15th to 24:00 on Wednesday, October 16th. In addition to the annual Fela Kuti birthday broadcast, the day following Fela’s birthday will consist of additional afrobeat programming, extending the broadcast into a Fela Festival by celebrating afrobeat more widely.
Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musician and a political activist who pioneered and revolutionized the world of Afrobeat music. Born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela began his music career in the late 1950s, initially influenced by the genres jazz and highlife. Soon, however, he found his unique footing and developed his signature sound, Afrobeat, which is at once an artful blend of elements of jazz, funk, and traditional African rhythms and something entirely new. Both beyond and embedded into his formidable music career was his status as a fearless critic of the Nigerian government and an advocate in the fight against corruption and human rights abuses in his country. Many of his songs featured sharp political commentary, which would lead him into trouble with the Nigerian authorities.
Fela Kuti's musical career was marked by an output of over 50 albums, including iconic records like "Zombie" and "Expensive Shit.” He typically sang, played saxophone, or played keyboard, but he also dabbled in a host of other instruments. His performances were legendary for their energy and often lasted for hours, featuring his band, Africa 70, and a stage presence that captivated and charmed audiences despite the long runtimes. His unwavering dedication to fighting oppression along with an incredible musical career cements him as a towering figure in the history of music and political resistance–both in Africa and the world at large.
We hope to honor Fela’s memory and creative legacy with this festival, exploring more afrobeat and learning about Fela’s life and work through interviews. It is a joy to broadcast the music of such a visionary—one who continues to teach us about resistance, living and dancing through music.
Our broadcast will include interviews and student DJ sets, and will feature both Kuti’s classics and lesser-known works, as well as special broadcasts and recordings from WKCR’s archive. Follow WKCR on Instagram (@wkcr) and Twitter (@WKCRFM) for further updates. Online listening is available 24/7 at wkcr.org via our web stream!
