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On Oct. 15, 1938, Fela Kuti (full birth name Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti), later to be known as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, was born in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Very few musicians can be pointed to as having “birthed” a particular music genre; Fela was one of them. He is almost universally credited with having created what is known globally as “Afrobeat.”
Though Fela would join the ancestors on Aug. 2, 1997, at the age of 58, his impact on music and politics would live on.
”Black Music Sunday” is a weekly series highlighting all things Black music. With 180 stories (and counting) covering performers, genres, history, and more, each featuring its own vibrant soundtrack. I hope you’ll find some familiar tunes and perhaps an introduction to something new.
