Some Nigerians have paid tribute to the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti who died at the age of 58 from complications related to AIDS 21 years ago.
Fela was a multi-instrumentalist, musician, pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre, human rights activist, and political maverick in his days.
Fela was known worldwide as a great musician and activist and years after his death, his Afrobeat sound continues to dictate and dominate the sound of music all over the world leaving his indelible footprint in the sands of time.
His self-pioneered Afrobeat sound has put Nigerian music, culture, arts and sound on a new pedestal in the world as much as lyrics of Fela’s songs continue to remain relevant in the current political and economic crime in Nigeria.
Late Fela Kuti left the world with a rich repertoire of music and albums including Why Black Man Dey Suffer in 1971, Shakara in 1972, Afrodisiac in 1973 and Gentleman in 1973.
Nigerians have taken to Twitter to sing his praise saying his influence is still felt in the music industry and in the country.
Below we look at some of their tweets.
My best Fela Kuti song is “Overtake Don Overtake Overtake (O.D.O.O)”.
Can’t my change ringtone for over 1 year now.
The horns on “parara parara parara” get me every time.
He’s gone, but his music is very much alive!
Words he sang decades ago still ring true in 2018. #Fela #Legend— Yemi Tula (@yemitula) August 2, 2018
ICON
You live on forever ♥️
FELA KUTI pic.twitter.com/KGPnbqWM7S— Fresh Prince (@iamwytunes) August 2, 2018
Fela Kuti was a man even with his “questionable lifestyle” was morally better than some certain “pastors” today.
Rest In Glory African GOAT👑👑👑
— ThinkTom (@ThinkTom333) August 2, 2018
₹If there is a legendary entertainer whose face must appear on our Naira note, then, Fela Kuti is the one. His lyrics, philosophy, creativity, activism amongst many other would never be matched. We remember him today!
— Akinsete Kayode (@AkinseteKayode) August 2, 2018
Did you know the legendary Afro beat Icon had a sweet tooth? Cakes and Ice cream were two of his favourites. RIP Fela Kuti.#FelaKuti #lovethursday #ThrowbackThursday #throwback #foodie pic.twitter.com/jNp86AGY5W
— Foodtrolley (@foodtrolley_ng) August 2, 2018
Image having the first woman to ever drive a car in Nigeria as a mother. But brutally murdered in the presence of her son called Fela Kuti and still get away with it? 21 years today but always remember you Mr Anikulapo through your music and legacy left behind ✊🏾🎷✊🏾
— Tunde Hassan 🇬🇧 (@TunzH) August 2, 2018
Image having the first woman to ever drive a car in Nigeria as a mother. But brutally murdered in the presence of her son called Fela Kuti and still get away with it? 21 years today but always remember you Mr Anikulapo through your music and legacy left behind ✊🏾🎷✊🏾
— Tunde Hassan 🇬🇧 (@TunzH) August 2, 2018
21 years ago today, we lost an icon, a legend and a man who dedicated his life and resources to fight for freedom and justice.
You’re not dead cos you still live in our hearts.
Rest in peace Fela Kuti. ✊ pic.twitter.com/ePkrhEDDH2
— Port-Harcourt People (@AskPHPeople) August 2, 2018
Thank You Fela Kuti for the music. If you’re not been projected as a bad influenced by those brutal military whilst your still here, Nigeria would’ve been a better place to live. Now all we get in this 21st Century is Shaku Shaku politicians defecting from one party to another 🕊
— Tunde Hassan 🇬🇧 (@TunzH) August 2, 2018
Concerning the depth of his music, Fela Kuti, in an interview found in Hank Bordowitz’s Noise of the World states: “Music is supposed to have an effect. If you’re playing music and people don’t feel something, you’re not doing shit. #AfrobeatParty2018 pic.twitter.com/PrEgAagG0u
— Ewa Agoyin (@SireHabbiibb) August 2, 2018
Did you Know That In 1978, Fela Kuti married 27 women in a single wedding ceremony.
He was also listed in the Guinness book of records for the most women married at one ceremony (27), in 1978 #FelaRemembrance #AfrobeatParty2018 pic.twitter.com/5qvuxDrD5t
— Ewa Agoyin (@SireHabbiibb) August 2, 2018
My neighbour: Fela Kuti’s music is not sweet.
Me: You are right. Truth is bitter. “Fela Kuti” sang truth, not music. pic.twitter.com/5jxJUvQDNg
— Israel Ugochukwu Journalist (@JonalistIsrael) August 2, 2018
#KemiOlunloyoWeek #MadamKOO54🎂🇳🇬
Fela Kuti was a dynamic musician & political activist that will NEVER be replaced. Many call me “the female Fela” or “the Fela of our time”. You can COMPARE me to him or my mentor Mrs Funlayo Ransome-Kuti his mom. There will ONLY be ONE “FELA” pic.twitter.com/1hv688uiTK— HNNAfrica #KemiOlunloyoWeek (Aug 1st-6th 2018) (@HNNAfrica) August 2, 2018
