By Onilede Titi Faith
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid tribute to Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing him as a “musical genius from Nigeria” whose work fused funk, jazz, and soul into a timeless sound.
Obama made the remarks in a video shared on social media while promoting a new 12-episode podcast series titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man”, produced by Higher Ground, the media company he co-founded with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
“Fela was a musical genius who created Afrobeat, a mix of funk, jazz, and soul. He was a unique figure who blended art with activism,” Obama said.
The documentary traces Fela’s journey from his childhood in Abeokuta to his transformative years in Los Angeles in 1969, exploring how his music became a tool for political resistance and Pan-African consciousness.
Featuring over 200 interviews with Fela’s family, friends, and artists including Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Burna Boy, and Paul McCartney, the podcast celebrates Fela’s enduring legacy as one of Africa’s most revolutionary cultural icons.
