Brave, Inspiring, and Crazy: The Joy of Managing Fela Kuti
At least a million mourners turned up for the funeral of Nigerian musician and voice of the downtrodden, Fela Kuti, his manager Rikki Stein recalls. “The road was filled with people as far as the eye could see,” Stein says, reflecting on that August day in Lagos in 1997.
Fela Kuti, the King of Afrobeat, was revered by the people but feared by those in power. He died at 58, reportedly from complications related to AIDS. However, Stein believes the true cause of Fela’s death was far more profound. “Fela died of one beating too many. His body was covered in scars and his mind and spirit had to cope with 200 arrests. The system can only take so much,” Stein explains.
Stein shares these memories in an interview with the BBC, marking the publication of his memoir, which details his 15 years managing arguably Nigeria’s most influential musician. Throughout his career, Fela defiantly criticized those in power, notably a succession of military rulers, lampooning them in albums such as Coffin for Head of State.
Fela’s fearless activism and relentless pursuit of justice made him a hero to many, but also a target for oppressive regimes. His legacy continues to inspire and resonate, with his music and message remaining as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.