Fela Kuti - Basic Facts: Fela Kuti was born on October 15, 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, to parents who were political activists. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the first Nigerian female to drive a car, was a strong feminist activist in the anti-colonial movement and his father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, a Protestant minister and school principal, was the first president of the Nigerian Union of Teachers. He was also strict in raising his children. His brothers, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti and Olikoye Ransome-Kuti both famous medical doctors, in Nigeria.

Fela Kuti's Early Musical Career: In 1958, Fela Kuti moved to London, where he began studying music. He soon formed a group called Koola Lobitos, which was later renamed Nigeria 70. They played a kind of music which Fela named "Afrobeat", which was American jazz, pop and funk blended with West African highlife music. Fela set up a nightclub in the Empire Hotel, named the Afro-Spot and then the Afrika Shrine, where he performed regularly. Fela expressed his political side through this venue which raised plenty eyebrows in the government. His outspoken nature caused him plenty setbacks from the government.

Fela Kuti's Sound: Fela Kuti was a gifted multi-instrumentalist, playing, among other things, saxophone, keyboards, trumpet, drums and guitar. He was also a talented singer and a highly energetic live performer with great stage presence. His songs were long; some lasted between 7-10 mins. They were mainly backed up by a consistent groove of drums and bass, a style which heavily influenced the genre of hip-hop.

Fela Kuti's Personal Life: In 1961, Fela Kuti married Remilekun Taylor. They had three children, Femi, Yeni and Sola. Femi Kuti went on to become a well-known Afrobeat musician in his own right. Later in his life, Fela would become a strong believer in polygamy, and married dozens of women.

Fela Kuti's Political Activism: Fela Kuti was a major activist for Pan-Africanism and anti-colonialism, and because of his socialist beliefs, had many run-ins with the authorities of several African countries. His struggles made him a veritable icon of the Black Power movement. Fela Kuti attempted to run for Nigerian President several times, but was never allowed to. In 1977 Fela and the Afrika ’70 released the hit album Zombie, a scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. The album was a smash hit with the people and infuriated the government, setting off a vicious attack against the Kalakuta Republic, during which one thousand soldiers attacked the commune. Fela was severely beaten, and his elderly mother was thrown from a window, causing fatal injuries. The Kalakuta Republic was burned, and Fela's studio, instruments, and master tapes were destroyed.

Fela Kuti's Death: Fela Kuti died of complications from AIDS in 1997 in Lagos, Nigeria. His illness was, and is, kept very private by his family members, so no further verifiable information is known about his experience with that disease.