The profound legacy of Nigerian musical icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti, a figure synonymous with revolutionary spirit and unparalleled musical genius, is now being brought to a global audience through a new podcast series. Curated by former U.S. President Barack Obama, the 12-episode series, aptly titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,” delves deep into the life and artistry of the Afrobeat pioneer.

Produced by Obama’s media company, Higher Ground, in collaboration with Audible, the podcast was announced jointly by President Obama on Instagram. He celebrated Fela as “a musical genius from Nigeria who made art with activism,” extending an invitation to listeners worldwide to explore a series that “tells the story of a unique figure in musical history who combined funk, jazz and soul into a new genre called Afrobeat.”

Going beyond a conventional biographical account, “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man” offers an in-depth examination of the intricate relationship between Fela’s distinctive sound, his often tumultuous personal life, and his unwavering commitment to political activism. The series provides listeners with exclusive, intimate access through interviews with members of his family, including his children, Yeni and Femi Kuti, and his grandson, Made Kuti, offering a deeply personal perspective on his enduring influence and legacy.

This initiative aligns perfectly with Higher Ground’s overarching mission to shine a spotlight on transformative musical figures, a commitment previously demonstrated through their series on Stevie Wonder. The “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man” podcast specifically aims to highlight the artist’s powerful anti-establishment messages and his significant, far-reaching impact on musicians across the globe. Several episodes of the series are already available, streaming exclusively on Audible and other major podcast platforms, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the extraordinary world of Fela Anikulapo Kuti.