Classed as one of the greatest musicians of all time, Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti would have been 77 years today, October 15, 2015, if he was alive. So as we celebrate his posthumous birthday, here are 11 top Nigerian music acts that have been influenced by the legendary ‘Abami Eda.’ We are not talking about Dede Mabiaku, Lagbaja or Femi and Seun Kuti.
2face Idibia
Acclaimed as the most successful pop acts of this era, 2face Idibia no doubt derives inspiration from Fela. Unlike his colleagues who cashed in on political gains during elections, the Hypertek boss has remained neutral staying off politics and jabbing politicians and those in government with his music when it is necessary. The 40-year-old music star whose biography, Very Good Bad Guy’ is set for release on October 20, 2015 once revealed in an interview that asides Bob Marley, his biggest influence in music is Fela. They also have a similarity when it comes to women too, although it appears the father of 7 has changed from his old ways since getting married to Annie Macaulay.
D’banj
From his fashion style, to his stage displays and his iconic harmonica, Dapo Oyebanjo better known as D’banj hit our consciousness as a reincarnation of Fela. With Don Jazzy creating well-crafted Afrobeat inspired pop beats, D’banj really played the Fela part until he dumped his Fela styled body hugging attires to bespoke suits and then parted ways with Don Jazzy. Seemingly a punishment, the DB Records boss lost out in his attempt to play the late kalakuta General in the award winning Broadway production Fela! D’banj however remains one of the biggest acts who derive inspiration from Fela whom he claims is his mentor.
Wizkid
He might have started out as a pop singer, but Wizkid has in the past few years embraced the Afrobeat genre in his songs. From the success recorded on ‘Jaiye Jaiye’ which features Femi Kuti, Wizzy must have gotten the hint that this was where his future lies and this is proven with the song, ‘Ojuelegba’ another Afrobeat single which remains the Star Boy boss’s most successful single since he began his musical career. In appreciation, Wizkid earlier in May 2015 inked a tattoo of Fela on his arm.
Eedris AbdulKareem
Even before teaming up with Femi Kuti to record a tribute to Fela which he titled after the fallen Afrobeat creator, Eedris has always been one of those Fela greatly influenced. ‘Judile’ which was the Remedies breakout single sampled Fela’s music while his 2004 hit, Jaga Jaga was also inspired by the need to speak out about happenings in the nation like Fela would have done. Eedris continue to be one of the top disciples of Fela.
W4
It is rather unfortunate that W4 faded off as fast as he came at us but his 2010 hit single, Kontrol remains one of the most popular pop songs. Following the release of the track, W4, real name Adewale Adepoju took on a new personae and fashion style which was all motivated by the Fela. Many even predicted he was going to step into the vacuum abandoned by D’banj but again, he failed us all. By the way, where is W4?
Burna Boy
Well as much as you are advised to overlook Burna Boy’s performance in his underwear at the 2014 Felabration, his Fela influence can simply not be ignored. Burna’s grandfather, Benson Idonije was Fela’s manager so the ‘Don Gorgon’ was simply born into a household where Fela was a musical god. Like Wizkid, Burna Boy also has a tattoo of Fela.
Oritsefemi
Oritsefemi began his career as a reggae/dancehall act which made it surprising when he revealed that Fela remained his biggest musical influence. His most successful song however also happen to be sample of Fela’s ‘Double Wahala’ which has since relaunched the career of the Ajegunle born act. It was also not surprising when he teamed up with a fellow Fela disciple, D’banj for the remix of the song.
Jesse Jagz
Apparently one of the most versatile music acts in Nigeria, Jesse Jagz is also one of the advocates of the Fela school of thought. This however has little to do with the smoking Indian hemp but musical delivery and rebellious attitude. Jesse has over the years created a niche as an individual who cares less about whose ox is gored. His music like Fela and Bob Marley also focuses on freedom and redemption and the need to realize oneself. Little wonder the Choc singer paid tribute to Fela on the song ‘Sunrise’.
Nneka
Nigerian born soul and pop singer has continued to be referred to as the female version of Fela due to her strong conscious songs and advocacy for humanity. She once told CNN that she was certain Fela wouldn’t have been cool with ex-president Goodluck Jonathan if he was alive during the Bayelsan’s tenure. Nneka is largely influenced by Fela and has also sampled some of Fela’s songs. Just like Fela, Nneka is also a multi-instrumentalist.
Sound Sultan
From his debut, ‘Jangbajantis’, to ‘Bush Meat’ and several of his songs, Naija Ninja boss Sound Sultan is also one of Fela’s disciple. His cover of Fela on the track, ‘Craze World’ as well as most of his songs which passes conscious messages further make Sultan another Fela breed even though he doesn’t puff like some of his other brothers also inspired by Fela.
Asa
Asa is one of the few music acts who continue to make unique music which has made her an international brand so little did we wonder when she opened up that Fela was one of her biggest influences.