Rikki Stein, reminiscing about Fela Kuti’s funeral in 1997, recalls a staggering turnout of over a million mourners lining the streets of Lagos to bid farewell to the iconic Nigerian musician and champion of the oppressed. Fela, renowned as the King of Afrobeat, passed away at 58, reportedly due to complications from AIDS, after a life marked by relentless activism against Nigeria’s military regimes.
According to Stein, Fela’s death was not just a result of health issues but also the cumulative toll of physical abuse and nearly 200 arrests endured throughout his career. Stein, reflecting on his 15 years as Fela’s manager, emphasizes how Fela’s music resonated deeply, vividly portraying life under authoritarian rule and inspiring audiences worldwide to envision a better world.
Stein’s initial encounter with Fela in 1982, where he found Fela comfortably clad in Speedos amid a heated room during a London winter, set the stage for their enduring friendship. This meeting marked the beginning of Stein’s journey into managing Fela’s career, a role that was as unpredictable as it was exhilarating.
Recalling Fela’s commanding presence on stage, Stein describes him as a multi-talented performer who effortlessly played various instruments, danced sinuously across the stage, and sang with a distinctive style, always accompanied by his trademark spliff. Stein marvels at Fela’s ability to captivate audiences, turning his performances into powerful cultural events that transcended mere concerts.
One of the most unforgettable performances Stein recalls took place in London in 1984, featuring Fela alongside his spiritual mentor, Professor Hindu. The evening included a shocking spectacle where Professor Hindu simulated a ritualistic death and subsequent resurrection on stage, leaving the audience in awe and illustrating Fela’s penchant for theatricality and social commentary.
Stein’s memoir reflects not just on the musical legacy of Fela Kuti but also on his enduring impact as a fearless critic of injustice and a beacon of hope for oppressed communities. Fela’s unwavering defiance against authority, expressed through his music and activism, continues to resonate globally, cementing his status as a cultural icon and revolutionary figure in Nigerian history.
