Nigerian music that was influenced by Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Some people asked, Did Fela Kuti invent Afrobeat? or Who is the king of Afrobeat after Fela? Let me show you the songs inspired by him.
Music is now judged by numbers and not quality again, as we can see.
In honour of Fela's nomination with other legendary musicians like Tina Turner, Carole King, Dionne Warwick, Rage Against the Machine, Foo Fighters, and others, we offer you a throwback that touches on Fela's history and influence.
Fela, the man and the musical legend, never fails to inspire creativity in Nigerians, regardless of their feelings towards him. His powerful, jazz-inspired sound is indestructible.
Nigerian music that was influenced by Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Burna Boy – Ye
African music legend Burna Boy has never been shy about his admiration and affection for Fela Kuti.
Because of his varied musical background and the fact that Fela's first band manager was his grandfather, Benson Idonije, Burna Boy has always had nothing but love to say about the elder musician. Therefore, it is not shocking to discover allusions to Abami Eda in Burna's song catalogue.
From "Soke" to "Another Story," Burna Boy channels Fela Kuti, capturing his charisma, bravery, and ability to maintain a steady enough beat for the listener's body to move.
Oritse Femi – Double Wahala
Prior to 2013, Oritse Femi had a string of hit songs, such as "Flog Politician" and "Mercies of the Lord," but he would admit that it was "Double Wahala," his rendition of (and ode to) Fela Anikulapo Kuti's "Confusion Break Bone," that helped pull him out of the underground.
Oritse Femi's song "Double Wahala" beautifully captures both everyday life in Nigeria and the desire of every Nigerian woman to live a prosperous old age.
Wizkid – Jaiye Jaiye feat. Femi Kuti
Wizkid needed "Jaiye Jaiye," as it was called in Nigerian, to "ginger" his fans, who had been waiting impatiently for a project since his 2011 breakthrough Superstar.
Alongside his second studio album, Ayo (2014), it was released as the lead single.
Grammy Award winner Femi Kuti, the late singer's eldest son, made an appearance on the lively "Jaiye Jaiye" sample from "Lady."
Skales – Temper (Remix) feat. Burna Boy
Skales' "Temper" song was ok in its original version; it had a catchy groove that the singer overlaid with the catchy phrase "Baby let's have a good timeline."
Ultimately, a secure but successful strategy.
A hearty thanks to Skales for getting Burna Boy involved in the remix. Not only did Burna Boy improve the song, but he also took the wheel and changed its course.