It Isn't All About “Authority”

Abstract

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti died in 1997, but his name remains prominent in the annals of Africa's music giants. He used his brand of music, Afrobeat, to chastise and condemn Africa's leaders and the elite for misgoverning the masses and enriching themselves through all forms of corruption and looting the national treasury. Fela, however, was equally critical about Africans whose unassertiveness appeared to embolden their leaders to continue embarking on the flagrant mismanagement of their countries. So, while most of Fela's music was about Africa's inept leadership, and most research about his political messaging reflect his penchant to challenge authorities, this chapter explores his exhortation to African masses to rise and challenge their leaders as that was the only viable way to halt the systemic decay in the continent. Through textual analysis of his music and the way he framed his messages, it is clear that Fela also saw change in the continent coming from people rising and confronting their leaders, not just condemning them without supporting their words with action.