.

“His music continues to inspire and unite people across the world.”

The Afrobeat legend passed away on August 2, 1997.

Nearly three decades after Fela’s death, he is still remembered as an influential icon who voiced his opinions on matters that affected Nigeria through music.

After early experiences abroad, Kuti and Africa 70, his band, shot to stardom in Nigeria during the 1970s.

In 1970, he founded the Kalakuta Republic commune, which declared itself independent from military rule.

The commune was destroyed in a 1978 raid. Fela was jailed by the federal government of Muhammadu Buhari in 1984.

After his release, he continued to record and perform through the 1980s and 1990s.

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