Fela Anikulapo Kuti is known for pioneering the Afrobeat sound, a genre of music that combines American Soul, Funk and Jazz with elements of African rhythm.
Fela remains a national music icon for his Afrobeat sound which originated as far back as the 1960s and whose influences stemmed from American Jazz and Funk, complementing the local chanted vocals, African drums, horns, and percussion among other instruments. At the height of his popularity, he was referred to as one of Africa’s most “challenging and charismatic music performers”.
All Music described him as a musical and sociopolitical voice of international significance. Kuti is remembered as an influential icon who voiced his opinions on matters that affected the nation through his music. He died at the age of 58.
