Fela Kuti is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians in African history and a pioneer of the Afrobeat genre. Born in Nigeria in 1938, he began his musical career in the late 1950s, and over the next few decades, he developed a unique sound that combined elements of West African rhythms, jazz, funk, and soul.
Fela’s music was also infused with political and social commentary, addressing issues like corruption, injustice, and inequality in Nigeria and beyond. His songs were often lengthy, with extended instrumental sections and lyrics that were both poetic and provocative. Fela’s music was not only influential in Africa but also had a significant impact on the global music scene, inspiring musicians in many different genres.
In this list, we will explore the 10 best Fela Kuti songs of all time, each showcasing his unique talent and musical legacy. From his fiery political anthems to his infectious dancefloor grooves, Fela’s music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.
1. “Coffin for Head of State”
“Coffin for Head of State” is a powerful and emotionally charged protest song by Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician and activist who is widely regarded as the father of Afrobeat. Released in 1980, the song was written in response to the death of Kuti’s mother, who was killed during a military raid on his compound. The song is a scathing indictment of the Nigerian ruling class and their corrupt and oppressive tactics, and it features Kuti’s trademark blend of searing political commentary and infectious rhythms. The song’s title refers to the idea of holding the ruling elite accountable for their crimes and abuses, and its lyrics are a poignant reminder of the toll that tyranny and injustice can take on ordinary people. With “Coffin for Head of State,” Kuti demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and freedom, and his legacy as a fearless and visionary artist continues to inspire and empower people around the world.
2. “Zombie”
“Zombie” is a classic protest song by Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician and activist who is widely regarded as the father of Afrobeat. Released in 1977, the song is a scathing indictment of the Nigerian military and their tactics of repression and violence. The song’s iconic chorus of “Zombie no go go, unless you tell am to go” became a rallying cry for activists and protesters across Africa, and its powerful message of resistance and defiance still resonates today. The song’s hypnotic rhythm and infectious melody are classic examples of Kuti’s signature blend of African rhythms, jazz, and funk, and the lyrics are a potent reminder of the power of music as a tool for political change. With “Zombie,” Kuti cemented his status as one of the most important and influential musicians of his generation, and his legacy continues to inspire and empower people around the world to this day.
3. “Upside Down”
“Upside Down” is a groovy and upbeat Afrobeat song by Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician and activist who is widely regarded as the father of the genre. Released in 1976, the song features Kuti’s signature blend of African rhythms, jazz, and funk, and its lyrics are a commentary on the state of society and politics in Nigeria at the time. The song’s catchy melody and danceable rhythm make it a favorite among fans of Kuti’s music, and its message of hope and resistance continues to resonate with audiences around the world. With “Upside Down,” Kuti showcased his unmatched musical talent and his ability to use his music as a platform for social and political change, cementing his legacy as one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century.
4. “Gentleman”
“Gentleman” is a funky and politically charged Afrobeat song by Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician and activist who is widely regarded as the father of the genre. Released in 1973, the song’s lyrics are a scathing critique of the pretensions and hypocrisy of the Nigerian ruling class, and its infectious rhythms and catchy melody make it a favorite among fans of Kuti’s music. The song’s title refers to the idea of the “gentleman” as a symbol of power and privilege in Nigerian society, and its lyrics are a call to action for ordinary people to resist the tyranny and corruption of those in power. With “Gentleman,” Kuti once again demonstrated his unparalleled ability to use music as a tool for political and social change, and his legacy as a fearless and visionary artist continues to inspire and empower people around the world.
5. “Expensive Shit”
“Expensive Shit” is a funky and groovy Afrobeat song by Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician and activist who is widely regarded as the father of the genre. Released in 1975, the song’s lyrics are a playful and irreverent take on the absurdity of the Nigerian government’s attempts to arrest Kuti for drug possession by planting evidence in his underwear. Despite the serious nature of the situation, Kuti turned the tables on his oppressors by feigning a bowel movement and then quickly swallowing the evidence, thus depriving the authorities of their case against him. The song’s catchy rhythm and infectious groove make it a fan favorite among Kuti’s vast body of work, and its message of resistance and defiance continues to inspire generations of artists and activists around the world. With “Expensive Shit,” Kuti once again demonstrated his mastery of the Afrobeat genre and his fearlessness in the face of oppression and injustice.
6. “Fogo Fogo”
“Fogo Fogo” is a high-energy and infectious Afrobeat song by Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician and activist who is widely regarded as the father of the genre. Released in 1976, the song’s title translates to “Fire Fire” in English, and its lyrics are a passionate call to action for people to rise up against oppression and injustice. With its driving percussion and soaring horns, “Fogo Fogo” captures the spirit and energy of Kuti’s live performances, and its message of resistance and empowerment continues to inspire generations of fans around the world. The song’s joyful and celebratory mood belies its serious message, and Kuti’s ability to unite people through his music remains a testament to his legacy as a visionary and revolutionary artist. With “Fogo Fogo,” Kuti once again demonstrated his unparalleled ability to use music as a tool for political and social change, and his influence on the Afrobeat genre and beyond continues to be felt to this day.
7. “2000 Blacks Got to Be Free”
“2000 Blacks Got to Be Free” is a powerful and politically-charged song by Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician and activist who is widely credited with inventing the Afrobeat genre. Released in 1971, the song’s title references the Black Power movement that was sweeping across the United States at the time, and its lyrics are a passionate call for Black people everywhere to rise up and demand their freedom and equality. With its hypnotic rhythms, propulsive horns, and incendiary lyrics, “2000 Blacks Got to Be Free” captures the urgency and energy of the struggle for racial justice, and its message remains as relevant today as it was when it was first recorded. Fela Kuti’s music was always deeply connected to the political and social realities of his time, and with “2000 Blacks Got to Be Free,” he once again proved his ability to inspire and unite people through his music. The song is a powerful testament to Kuti’s legacy as a visionary and revolutionary artist, and its influence on generations of musicians and activists is undeniable.
8. “Water No Get Enemy”
“Water No Get Enemy” is one of Fela Kuti’s most beloved and iconic songs, released in 1975 as part of his album “Expensive Shit”. The song features Fela’s signature Afrobeat sound, characterized by complex rhythms, driving percussion, and searing horns. The lyrics of “Water No Get Enemy” convey a message of unity and interconnectedness, using the metaphor of water as a symbol of life and the importance of cooperation and collaboration in achieving social and political change. With its hypnotic groove and uplifting message, “Water No Get Enemy” has become a classic of African music, and its influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who have been inspired by Fela Kuti’s revolutionary spirit and musical vision.
9. “I.T.T. (International Thief Thief)”
“I.T.T. (International Thief Thief)” is a political song released by Fela Kuti in 1980 as a response to the corrupt practices of multinational corporations in Africa. The song features Fela’s signature Afrobeat sound, with a catchy, repetitive rhythm and driving horns. The lyrics of “I.T.T.” denounce the exploitation of African resources and call for the people to resist and fight against the corrupt forces that are holding them down. The acronym “I.T.T.” refers to International Telephone and Telegraph, a multinational corporation that was accused of bribery and corruption in Nigeria during the 1970s. The song became an anthem for social and political change in Africa and around the world, cementing Fela Kuti’s status as one of the most influential and outspoken musicians of his time.
10. “Let’s Start”
“Let’s Start” is a powerful and energetic Afrobeat song by Fela Kuti, released in 1976. The song features a driving rhythm section, syncopated horns, and Fela’s distinctive vocals, all working together to create an irresistible groove. The lyrics of “Let’s Start” encourage people to take action and make positive changes in their lives and communities, calling for an end to corruption, oppression, and inequality. The song is a call to arms, urging listeners to wake up and take control of their own destinies, rather than waiting for someone else to do it for them. “Let’s Start” is a timeless anthem for empowerment and self-determination, with a message that resonates just as strongly today as it did when it was first released.