The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti

  • STOUT BRAND SAYS FELA IS ‘THE LEGEND WE REMEMBER’

    For 21 years, the world has tried in different ways to celebrate the legacy of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    The annual celebration of the music icon and political activist called Felabration provides the opportunity for fans to review what he stood for, and how valid and relevant is ideologies have remained to the socio political life of the society.

    As Felabration continues to bring to the fore, and teach people what the man stood for, by ensuring that we continue to fight the kind of battles he fought in largely better ways,

    To underscore this feat, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through one of its brands, Legend Extra Stout have identified with the legendary personae of Fela, and has joined sponsors of the iconic event, believing that by all ramifications, Felabration has become the most widely accepted of these platforms for celebrating all the great things that Fela stood for in the music industry.

    “The music fiesta brings back memories of a man with folded fists in the air, in bare torso, a partly painted face and signature tight trousers. Characteristic of the man, Fela, he greets a cheering crowd eager to hear him sing and have his queens move their energetic melanin bodies to the sound of his band. The crowd continues to cheer as he sings, and swings his body to different sides while stamping his left foot in rhythmic fashion, but those who know these stuff of Legends know that in those lyrics are clear messages for the people who need to hear them; “the brevity of a man willing to tell his story in its truest form and have fun while at it – that’s the man Fela was; that’s the Legend we remember,” say the brand promoters.

    Felabration was initiated by Yeni Kuti, Fela’s first child, in 1998, a year after his death, to get the world closer to the Fela spirit. This annual music festival runs for a week with different events from the concert to the dance and symposium. As the years go by, the festival features a different theme and continues to grow with more licenses signed across the world by fans of Afrobeats and those who truly believe in who and what Fela was.

    In the week of Fela’s birthday, which is when the festival is usually held, people will gather under the theme “Overtaking, Overtake”, a line coined from the 1990 hit ODOO – Overtake Don Overtake Overtake.

    This year, Legend Extra Stout brings excitement to the New Afrika Shrine and every other location in Lagos where people will gather not only to celebrate another edition of Felabration but Fela’s 80th birthday. For Legend, this is more than just an event sponsorship but an expression of the brand’s DNA and core values, which they say include, Authenticity, Courage and Freedom.

    Felabration provides the perfect opportunity for the brand to connect with young vibrant Nigerians who believe and have the courage to express their real selves.

    From October 15th until the 21st, fans will have the privilege to enjoy the rich taste of Legend Extra Stout as they celebrate Afrobeat and reminisce the stories Fela told in his days and how they are still relevant in today’s world.

    Over the years, Legend Extra Stout has brought fanfare to music lovers with previous editions of Felabration and the Real Deal Experience. Fun seekers coming to celebrate the Afrobeat king can do so in a relaxed environment where they can feel the richness of the Nigerian music and the amazing taste that Legend Extra Stout brings. Fela is a legend and will always be celebrated as one.

    Fans are expected in Lagos from around the world to honour the marks Fela made in the world music scene, as well as the inspiration he has given to younger talents coming out from Africa. In July, French President, Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the Shrine to honour Fela, and there will be no surprise if he and other prominent persons like him join in the October celebrations, which will feature a symposium, debates, art exhibition, dance competition and a music concert.

    Some of the acts who have performed at the music concert include Femi Kuti, Asa, King Sunny Ade, 2Baba Lucky Dube, Nneka, Awilo Longomba, Lagbaja, Wizkid, Burna Boy and many more. A lot of fans will be looking out for moments like Wizkid’s electric performance with Femi Kuti in 2017.

  • What Nigerians should learn from Fela – Yeni Kuti

    Yeni Kuti, daughter of the late legendary musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, on Wednesday, advised Nigerians to emulate her father’s pursuit of unity, for national development.

    Kuti told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that for the nation to make remarkable progress, its citizens must pursue unity just like the late musical icon.

    She said that the major problems of the nation, which were ethnicity, religious bigotry and politics, could be subsumed if the spirit of unity is in play the lives of the citizenry.

    According to her, this was emphasised by Fela in music, which she urged all to listen to.

    She said Fela’s song entitled: “Water no get Enemy’’, in a subtle and proverbial manner, through thought-provoking lyrics, preached harmony and unity across humans, with nature as his metaphor.

    “When we consciously pursue unity as a country, we will discover that issues of ethnicity, religious bigotry and politics that divide us will no longer do.

    Read Also: Aging could leave Europe with longer recessions- ECB

    “As a nation, we must work in unity to achieve our collective goals.

    “ We must all see ourselves as Nigerians, regardless of our ethnic group, political bias or religion,’’ she said.

    Kuti said paucity of funds and lack of adequate sponsors had been challenging in organising the ongoing “Felabration”.

    She, however, said that this had not affected the success of the programme.

    “This year’s edition has been awesome, despite the fact that we got few sponsors.

    “Felabration is celebrated in over 20 nations of the world as we speak,’’ she said.

  • Legend subscribes to Felabration 2018

    LEGEND Extra Stout will be joining millions of Nigerians to celebrate the music legacies of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as the official stout sponsor. The Legend Extra Stout brand also intends to reward thousands of guests at the Afro-beat event.

    Initiated to celebrate Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legend who died on August 2, 1997, the event will hold at the New African Shrine from the 15th to 21st of October.

    Felabration is a music festival that celebrates Fela’s life, his enormous influence on Nigerian society, and the Afrobeat genre. The week-long concert maintains the same infectious energy that Fela possessed decades ago, bringing many artistes from all over the world to keep the rhythm pulsing.

    This year’s edition is themed “Overtake Don Overtake Overtake”. In that song, Fela sang about the effects of usurpation of power and the degradation of fledgling African democracies. His grievance is that, in saner climes, the duty of the armed forces is to defend and support civilian  government; not to overthrow it or usurp the duties of any branch of government

    Local Nigerian artistes and international acts are to grace the stage with notes of Afrobeat, hip-hop, R&B and jazz, among many others. The amount of talent that descends upon this West African hot spot speaks volumes about Fela’s status as a global icon.

    The festival will showcase music performances, free medical services, public lectures and other musical concerts. It also includes various creatively diverse activities. ‘The Fela Debates’, symposium series, the secondary schools’ debate for schools in Lagos State, Dance Troupes, Photo Exhibitions, The Fela Street Carnival Parade with musical floats and costumed dancers.

  • Macron resurrects Fela

    Sometimes visitors point the way. That may well be the main lesson to draw from French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nigeria. It was a visit of various flavours: diplomacy, politics, economics, security, business and culture. In the end, Macron’s celebration of culture was the biggest attraction.

    It is interesting that Macron was attracted to the New Afrika Shrine at Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, an unlikely attraction for a visiting president. Regarded as the home of Afrobeat, the Afrika Shrine was originally founded by the late music legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, but was rebuilt at another site and renamed New Afrika Shrine by his son, Femi Kuti, who is also a music star in his own right.

    Macron’s historic visit to the nightspot, the first by a president, was the stuff of news.Not surprisingly, stigmatised because of its marijuana-smoking crowd and its hedonistic devotees, the shrine was a no-go area to leaders until Macron rewrote the narrative.

    He recalled his stint as a diplomatic worker in Nigeria in the early 2000s: ”I discovered Nigeria and I discovered Lagos and I discovered the shrine. This place is an iconic place and it is a place where the best of music is given…the shrine is a cultural hub, an iconic hub and is very important for me first on a personal level, and that is why I want to say with a lot of humility that I recognise the importance of this place; I recognise the place of culture…”

    Macron’s portrait of the shrine resurrected Fela. By showing that he is a friend of the shrine, Macron endorsed music that speaks truth to power. There is no doubt that Fela’s death in 1997 meant that a critical progressive voice had gone. He was not just a musical idol but a protester with a sense of mission. His unapologetic activism on the side of the people was daring and defiant; and he was willing to pay the price for his anti-establishment campaign. Music was indeed a weapon for him, and he used it against the enemies of progress with all the potency of a visionary iconoclast.

    Macron’s positive memories of the cultural spot and his definition of its significance should prompt a rethink by the country’s leaders. It is noteworthy that he also highlighted the African Cultural Season 2020, which is expected to be hosted by France and organised by Africans. His participation in a skit at the shrine alongside some of Nollywood’s best was a measure of his cultural enthusiasm.

    Ahead of the shrine visit on July 3, President Muhammadu Buhari and Macron had met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for talks on security and terrorism. It is positive that two major development projects are on the front burner as a result of their meeting. The signing of a letter of intent for the financing of the urban mobility improvement programme initiated by the Lagos State Government will enhance development. The deal involves the equivalent of $200m loan to be provided by the French Development Agency (AFD) to the Federal Government.

    The project seeks to develop eight priority bus corridors connected to the mass transit network (urban train and high-level service bus with a total length of 41 kilometres) in the country’s most urbanised state. This project is expected to contribute to the megacity’s sustainable urban development through the operation of a public transport network combining quality service, efficiency, accessibility, reliability, safety, reduction of polluting emissions and socio-economic and financial sustainability.

    In addition, the two leaders witnessed the signing of an agreement involving $75m to improve water supply in Kano city. This project, to be financed with an AFD loan to the Federal Government, targets the rehabilitation and densification of the network and rehabilitation of the main water production facilities.

    Macron found the time to interact with over 2,000 promising entrepreneurs from Africa, who are alumni of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme. Macron’s participation reflected his recognition that African entrepreneurs are important to the continent’s desired economic transformation. The country’s leaders should do more to promote entrepreneurship in a world that is laying increasing emphasis on the role of the private sector in development.

    It was at the New Afrika Shrine that Macron made his most striking remarks in connection with development. It was a befitting setting. Macron observed:  ”Africa needs a new generation of Africans to share the new narrative about Africa all over the world… Let me remind you that this place – Shrine – is a music place as well as politics, which is needed to change the society. So, I will say to the youths, politics is important, be involved.” This is food for thought for the country‘s youths, particularly considering the May signing of the Not Too Young To Run Bill by President Buhari.

    Forty-year-old Macron, who himself made the headlines in May 2017 when he became the youngest president in the history of France, displayed energy and enthusiasm for development that should inspire Nigeria’s leaders. Indeed, Macron was here.

     

  • And Macron markets Nigeria to the world

    The memories of late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, as a musician, culture promoter and social crusader somewhat became highpoint of the visit to Nigeria by President Emmanuel Macron of France, leading to a new narrative about the place of African tourism, arts and entertainment in the global space.

    From his body language, unreserved passion for the Afrika Shrine where he was hosted into the night on Tuesday, and his interactions with entrepreneurs from different sectors of the Nigerian economy, Macron exuded the qualities of a new breed of politician from Europe whose desires for Africa is for the continent to free itself from neo-colonialism from France and Europe. His fresh democratic ideology appears to be one that sees how big the world can become with Africa at its full potential.

    For the creative industry, the 40-year-old leader is spearheading an African Cultural Season to take place in France, in year 2020.

    According to him, “This Season is a unique one and it will be the new face of Africa in Europe… It is about a team of young creatives coming from different parts of Africa. You’ll have contemporary artistes, painters, people involved in Fashion, movies, visual arts, architecture… all the different arts existing and present in Africa, especially Nigeria. It will be about a young generation of artistes coming from Africa.”

    Certain that Africa is capable of upholding its business independence, Macron believes that providing the window for African ventures to thrive might just be what the continent needs in the meantime.

    “European leaders are not here to lecture African leaders. African leaders are here to take care of their people. They are not there to lead the young generation to believe that their future is outside Africa. They have to build their future here in Africa,” he said.

    According to Macron, the Africa Cultural Season 2020 will be organised by Africa and for Africa “in order to show France and Europe the real culture of Africa. It is going to be financed by African leaders and businesses. It’s not going to be sponsored by European or French businesses, but by African businesses, it is brand new.”

    Macron decries a situation whereby the international media appears to dictate the narratives about Africa.

    “Some people say this is a tremendous continent; this is a unique place. And at the same time, some people say Africa is a place of terrorism. These two messages are true at the same time. But I believe it is possible to change all these negative messages because what we need is for African people to speak about Africa. Because you always replicate, mirror Europeans impression about Africa. When I say we need new narratives, what I mean is that we need you people to make these narratives. I see a new generation of artistes, of entrepreneurs, of people coming from civil societies, of journalists, of intellectuals coming from Africa and explaining, speaking about Africa in Europe and everywhere.”

    For spending 95 percent of his time in Lagos – a historic visit to the Afrika Shrine for a ‘Celebration of African Culture’, the official unveiling of Alliance Francaise in Ikoyi, and his engagement with over 2,000 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) alumni – Macron has strengthened the Shrine as a tourism attraction, promoted Lagos as a tourist destination and pepped the Nigerian entrepreneurs to make a difference in the world.

  • OMOSHALEWA ANIKULAPO-KUTI: Seeing people dancing non-stop inspires me

    Omoshalewa Anikulapo-Kuti is the fifth child of the late Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. She studied Mass Communication at Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) and later studied law at University of Lagos before she relocated to United Kingdom in 2005. Fondly called DJ Shaarks, the CEO of Shaarks Records speaks with Adetutu Audu on her career and life as the late Fela’s daughter.

    ASIDE the fact that music runs in your family, when did you decide to be a Disc jockey?

    Aside from being born into the music family, I have been in the music industry for a while. I went to music school to study music production cum disc jockey.  Then, I opened my own music studio. But I am more focused on djaying for now.

    What has your experience been like working on the international scene?

    Great. Meeting people from different races and cultures who love Afro beat music, most especially the love and admiration towards Fela. There was one of these gigs that I played in Germany, the audience was overwhelmed with the music I played and because I am a lady and also playing Afro beat music made the audience even crazier.

    It was so emotional for me….the fact that they appreciated and embraced me and they enjoyed the music. Seeing people dancing non-stop while I am on the turntable inspires me and makes me happy.

    What pre-show rituals do you perform?

    I like to listen to my dad’s music because I get inspiration from it.

    How do you pick which songs go into mixes?

    Hahaha! Na pay and learn matter be dat; you go pay to come learn that one.  It comes with experience.

    What kind of music do you personally enjoy?

    I enjoy listening to Afrobeat, jazz and RnB music

    What’s the hardest part about being a DJ?

    It is challenging finding myself in the industry dominated by men. Now there is more awareness of female DJs in the industry and some people have been very supportive. Also travelling around the world is interesting but challenging. Doing sound check before the gig starts, doing late nights gigs, long hours of standing while mixing and track selection so as to keep the audience entertained. Determination and staying positive keep me going. Being a DJ is a passion. Doing what I love and being paid for it. You need to live and love the job so as to make the most of it. Being able to travel around the world and meeting people who are all connected through music. Watching the audience dance tirelessly and seeing the expression on their faces, when they hear the song they love while am djaying, makes me happy.

    Are you into Nigerian music? Who are you listening to currently?

    Being a music producer beats matters to me. I listen to all genres of music with nice beats.

    There are so many amazing artistes out there with great music.

    What is it like being the daughter of the late Fela? And do you think it helps or hinders you?

    Although people have different perspectives of Fela, the people I have met always respect and show their admiration towards me being Fela’s daughter.

    What was it like for you growing up?

    Growing up was interesting and being Fela’s daughter made it even more interesting. My mother was more about my education; however, Fela was more like “school again?” yet he was very supportive in ensuring that I be the best in whatever I do. I was also always thrilled to go to the shrine. I was always excited to go there every weekend for the yabis night, comprehensive night, the Sunday jump and sometimes the ladies night. I also enjoyed going to concerts with him. We also have a family tradition of celebrating Christmas party by taking turns in hosting, amongst the Anikulapo-Kuti/ Ransome-Kuti family.

    Kalakuta always used to have lots of people around; how did you cope with the constant crowd while growing up?

    Kalakuta was like an institution. For me, it felt normal. I was born in it; I didn’t think any differently. I always enjoyed life in Kalakuta Republic.

    What do you miss about the late Fela?

    I miss him being Fela and I miss seeing him perform. I miss his yabis, talking about politics and his sense of humour. There was never a dull moment with my dad.

    Describe him as a father

    Fela was my idol; he was a loving and wonderful father. He was one of a kind (the abami eda) and had a great sense of humour. Regardless of his music career, he was also up to his responsibilities as a father.

    What is the fondest memory you have of him?

    A lot of things. I just miss him being Fela and my dad. But I would always remember when I baked a cake and it turned out very strong and hard and Fela being who he was said when the soldiers come to disturb him, he would ask me to bake that type of cake so we can use it as a weapon against them. However, he still went ahead to explain to me how to bake a cake properly.

    Fela was a musician and activist. Femi and Seun obviously have those traits; must everyone sing?

    No. I love music and I don’t have to sing to express myself. There are other parts of music apart from singing and that is why I followed this part to derive happiness from what I love.

    Fela is unarguably the biggest legend to ever come out of Africa; those are extremely big shoes to fill. Are you ever under any sort of pressure to live up to the name?

    No pressure. Fela is Fela. Fela’s name has already been made; nobody can be Fela. The only challenge is to also make a name for myself, make a positive impact in people’s lives, to inspire and motivate people also to uphold and keep his legacy on.

    Talking about the new generation of Nigerian musicians, we find out that their lyrics are not as powerful and thought-provoking as those of people like Fela, Obey and KSA; what’s your take on that?

    Everybody’s opinion or inspiration towards music is different. They are unique in their own ways and they have their own target audience. I think they are fantastic taking African music all over the world and music continues to evolve both locally and internationally.

    What would you have done without the help of your father?

    Fela brought me to this world. Without being Fela’s daughter, we wouldn’t be having this interview but I believe in my own strength and qualities, which have got me to where I am today.

    Give three tips for women that wish to enter the music industry and DJ professionally?

    Focus, Focus, focus, determination and

    passion.

    How would you describe your style?

    African, modern, trendy and contemporary.

    Who inspires you?

    Fela, my mother and myself.

    What’s your favourite city in the world and why?

    Eko (Lagos city). It’s intriguing. Everyone is always on the go – the look of survival on people’s faces with the hustling and bustling, the street vendors, Lagos traffic, conductors shouting out their destinations.  Lagos is a city full of life and fun that you can never experience in any other city. I miss Lagos.

    What’s one beauty item you cannot live without?

    Shea butter.

    Are you planning to return to Nigeria and how often do you visit?

    Yes ooo. Nigeria forever. I miss Lagos now, who no go miss Lagos? I am definitely planning to return to Nigeria and I do visit occasionally, especially for Felabration.

    What is your relationship with your siblings like?

    We keep in touch.

  • Nigerians applaud Beyonce for honouring Fela, Chimamanda at Coachella

    Some Nigerians on Twitter have applauded the American music star, Beyonce for paying tribute to Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and honouring Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie.

    Beyonce, who became the first black woman to headline Coachella on Saturday, did so with a two-hour performance and had her band perform a rendition of Fela’s 1976 classic ‘Zombie’.

    Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musician and activist, who launched Afro-beat, which then fused American blues, jazz and funk with traditional Yoruba music.

    Nigerians were excited that she decided to honour two Nigerians, alongside other black legends including Nina Simone and Malcolm X.

    Nigerian singer, Emma Nyra wrote @emmanyra tweeted, “Beyonce just made me so proud to be who I am. Unapologetically black, female and talented. Our voice matters. She even paid tribute to Fela! I will forever be a fan.”

    @Blackdot_Mandy tweeted, “Beyonce just paid a tribute to Afroking and Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti during her Coachella performance. I stan Beyonce Knowles.”

    @Erhuwrites wrote, “Who else got chills when they heard Chimamanda’s voice at the end of Beyonce’s glorious performance at Coachella? I still have goose bumps.”

    @DrDendere tweeted, “Beyonce is now new level amazing. Chimamanda blasting out during her Coachella performance is life.”

    @Ganga_A wrote, “Within Beyonce’s Coachella performance in the little bit where the band was going off, they play Fela Kuti’s Zombie. This is why she is number one, a cultured queen and an unshakeable throne.”

    @KLCHII tweeted, “Beyonce really brought Fela to Coachella with that lil hook.”

    The ‘irreplaceable’ crooner also featured Chimamanda Adichie’s speech ‘We Should All Be Feminists’, which was sampled on her song ‘Flawless’,  at the end of her performance.

    Adichie is a multi award winning writer and her second book ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ won the Orange Prize.

    Beyonce has been trending since after her performance for the groundbreaking routine, song selections and surprises, including bringing her defunct group ‘Destiny Child’ on stage.

    She performed old classics of the group with former members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams; and her husband music power-weight Jay Z.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid is billed to perform at Coachella next weekend on April 21.

    The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival commonly referred to as Coachella or the Coachella Festival is an annual music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, located in the Inland Empire’s Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert.

    NAN

  • I no be thief reloaded

    In February last year, this space hosted a piece titled I no be thief, borrowed from the late Afrobeat maestro Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Today I am doing a ‘remix’ or a ‘reload’.

    This is necessary at a time like this when overnight people are discovering that the name they have been called, which they even answer to, is not their own. They are calling black white and white black.

    You are warned in advance that this sermon is for those who are keen on rewriting history and making all we know suddenly begin to look fictitious.

    The first thing you need to do – as it is laid in my spirit – is that you must fall back on political capitals. What do I mean by this? At one point or the other in your life, you must have helped people. The better for you if you are the type who has ‘empowered’ a lot of people. This is pay-back time. Form them into an army of some sort.

    For a start, get one of them to do a video. Let it be circulated on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and everywhere possible. In the video, let him stress the fact that you are the godfather of many an important personality. If you are lucky enough to have influenced the election of a governor, senators, House of Representatives members, House of Assembly members and local government chairmen, let all these be pointed out in the video.

    After that is done, get many of these men and women who owe you political debts to pay you visits on exile and when they do, ensure that pictures are taken. Find a way to get these pictures to be circulated on social and traditional media. Your opponents will shout blue murder. They will say you and your people are engaging in disgusting acts. Do not mind them. They are simply jealous that if they are jailed for stealing or ostracised for one reason or the other, they will find no one to stand by them.

    Once you have gotten over that stage, it is time to plan an elaborate reception. First drop a hint that you will soon return to your village. It will be preferable if you get a reporter from an international media to interview you on your travail. During the interview, draw attention to the fact that you are going to appeal the judgment, which declared you a common thief. Trust the reporter he will remind you that you pleaded guilty to the offence. Don’t hesitate to tell him that you will not like to discuss what led to that in details now. If you like, you can make some allusion to something that suggests you did not do that with your eyes wide open and that with time the whole truth of the saga will unravel.

    Let it also be known that you are returning home to play politics and not go into some retirement. Tell him your people need you and they have missed you terribly. In fact, tell him they have suffered because of your absence. Some may see it as you playing the messiah; don’t mind them.

    About this same time, get a trusted aide to let in the media on the fact that he is working on a tell-it-all book on your travail. He should not forget to add that the whole world will be shocked at the revelations in the book.

    It is also important that activities around your country home should become frenzy. Repaint the house. Mow the lawn. Get people to mill around more than before. You can get canopies arranged in the compound for people to sit and wine and dine. This build-up must find a way to be reported in the media. It will make people wonder what manner of a man you are. Before you know it the narratives will begin to read like: ‘He is a man of his people’.

    Days later show up in the Federal Capital Territory. About the same time, get people who owe you political debts to wait for you at an airstrip not far away from your home town. Let them come with brand new Sports Utility Vehicles. For effect, let a very high-ranking government official, who owes his position to your influence and the money you stole to lead the delegation waiting to receive you.

    But do not make the mistake of landing at that airstrip. Instead arrive at a local airport in the neighbouring state in a jet you chartered with part of the stolen money or paid for by one of the people you ‘empowered’ with the stolen fund.

    There must also be people lining the road to your house. Make available packed food and bottled water to them. For effect, they can even be singing your praises while waiting for you and when you eventually arrive. A Boys Brigade band may not be a bad idea to cheer up the people waiting.

    This is very important. As you are arriving your home, you must show your face through the open roof of the SUV carrying you. Let some shots be taken. I guarantee you they will make the front pages the following day.

    This is another very important point: high-ranking government officials must be in your home to receive you. As you alight from the SUV, these big men must hug you and hail you before you walk into the sitting room where another set of big men must be waiting.

    For days, there must be activities around your home. Let big men keep coming. It will be better for you if a former governor, traditional rulers, senators and all turn your house to a Mecca. While all these people are coming, make sure reporters and photo-journalists are outside to capture them. But make no mistake of allowing the reporters in.

    The next step will be to go for a thanksgiving service. At the church service, you are free to talk, but you will talk in such a way that truly means you have not said anything. Ramble around. You can say something like the time for talking has not come. Emphasise the fact that you are happy to be back with your people who the enemies planned to separate you from by dumping you in a tight corner. Make a show by claiming that by the time you talk the scales over many people’s eyes will fall. The old tactic always work. When you have nothing to say, claim that if you talk the earth will collapse. Chances are that fear will grip many and they may start begging you not to talk.

    I must emphasise this: Before leaving the church, you must not forget to say it loud and clear that you are not a thief. Some people may say you are more than a thief. They may even liken you to an armed robber. Don’t mind them. Just make sure that you say it loud enough for everybody to hear and for the media to report that there is no way you can be a thief.

    It will also not be out of place for you to mention during the service that at a point all that mattered to you was how to return home to come and join your people who have suffered in your absence.

    For effect, you can dance a little and burst into a song.

    Go home straight after the service and hold a reception for the dignitaries. Again, ensure reporters and photo-journalists are restricted to the gates.

    One year after returning home, at a reception organised in your honour by supporters, speak eloquently. This time, do not say ‘I no be thief, I cannot be a thief’. Simply  claim your time in the United Kingdom was a sabbatical.

    ”My first appreciation is to God Almighty, first for bringing me back home safely. It’s been a year since I returned from my sabbatical leave in the UK,” tell the crowd.

    If the crowd erupts, ask in your language: “Was it not a sabbatical leave?”

    Then wrap up by saying: “My thanks, once again. There will be time for me to speak. I just want to thank God today.”

    Immediately after the reception, file an appeal against your ‘sabbatical’ in the UK. Do not attend court physically. Give evidence through video link. You can claim power cut affect your attempt to give evidence. Your lawyer must insist London police took bribe in exchange for inside information which should have come into play and affect your ‘sabbatical’.

    My final take: There is something you must be mindful of. Those busy-bodies – who call themselves columnists and are looking for issues to write on– will pick on you. They will write all manners of things. The best approach is to just ignore them.

  • Fela: ‘Statue without head an insult to the family’

    Fela: ‘Statue without head an insult to the family’

    Follow @memorinken

    Lagos state governor Akinwunmi Ambode  recently unveiled a statue in honour of Late Afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    Professor TAIWO OGUNADE, in this interview with MOSES EMORINKEN, expressed his opinion concerning Fela’s statue and the representation (or misrepresentation) of the legend and what he stood for.

    Do you think it was expedient to erect a statue in honour of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti?

    Yes it is important but not to be represented as a blind man without a head.

    I was a choreography teacher for Fela’s dancers when he resided at Agege Motor road.

    If you go to any system of justice in Nigeria, you will see the statue of a lady holding the sword in one hand and a weighing scale on the other. This symbolises the justice system in Nigeria. On the flip side, we call Fela a liberation artist, yet he does even have a head or even a “clinched” fist.

    His head is not in the statue; therefore, it could be anybody’s head. Majority of today’s generation do not even know Fela, not to talk of associating a face or head with him. Imagine a person born ten years ago or even those yet unborn. Will they be able to relate the statue to Fela? Definitely NOT! This is because of the headless feature of the statue.

    Therefore, it is a waste of money and resources by Ambode and his advisers.

    How can an artist erect a statue without head and call it Fela? That is an insult to his family.

    We hear that his family members seem to be fine with the statue. What is your take on this?

    Even if the family don’t complain about it, it was obvious that they were stunned at the sight. Everyone was wondering probably a head would descend from the sky.

    Don’t you think the artist would have a valid explanation and philosophy behind the headless statue?

    Well, I do not know. The governor said it is a liberation statue of Fela. However, a liberator will always have a clinched fist ready to fight. When he was alive, he always had what is called yabis time.

    It was a time for him to talk about a lot of things, and get divergent replies. Can someone without a head “yabis” anybody? It is impossible! The signature of the yabis is missing in the statue due to its heedlessness.

    It is obvious that the governor and his team were not well advised, or they do not know; I am sure the governor or his advisers never met Fela in their lifetime.

    READ ALSO : Fela’s:  Liberation: A deserved honour

    What do you think the governor and his team should do to remedy the anomaly?

    First, the statue needs to be destroyed. It can’t be left as it is.

    Also, Fela never wore clothes almost 19 hours a day. When you see him playing with his band, he does not wear clothes. Yes, he wears some fanciful dresses sometimes, but he hardly wears clothes. He normally would have only his pants on.

    They therefore, must remedy these by putting a head, a clinched first and nakedness at some point. By nakedness, we know he doesn’t go to stage without his pant. They could use a trouser for him; the important thing is that his chest region is made bare.

    What do you think about the statue of Obafemi Awolowo in Lagos?

    That also is a waste of money. Awolowo was not as fat as the statue portrayed. Also, the statue had him with a running boot. Awo never wore a boot as far as I know.

    I know him well enough because my primary school (Igbagbo Aladura School) in Ibadan was about 50 metres away from his house.

    What is your take on the statue of Jacob Zuma erected by the Imo state governor?

    I think Rochas Okorocha is misdirecting himself. People like Zuma should not be honoured.

    You don’t honour Jagundas (thieves). He is facing corruption serious charges in his country…such a one should not be given a space in our land, not to talk of honouring him with a statue.

    What would be your advice to young artists?

    This is a country that has a healthy pool of the old and young. The old is called “old school” while the young “new school”; therefore, if you want to do anything that belongs to the old, it is important that you seek the advice of the “old school”.

    Fela belonged to the old school, therefore, let the Ambode stop wasting state funds and seek the advice of people from the old school for projects that pertains to the old school. There are old artists who can guide the “new school” artist to do the old school things.

  • ‘FELA CHIDED ME FOR TRYING TO SPEAK LIKE AN AMERICAN’

    ‘FELA CHIDED ME FOR TRYING TO SPEAK LIKE AN AMERICAN’

    THIS week’s show is a review of the recently published magazine, Fela Today by Adedayo Akintayo. It centers on the legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. 20 years after his passing, his name, his music, his legacy lives on.

    Presenter: 20 years ago, after a long journey back to my secondary school in Enugu. I was welcomed by my peers asking about the “FE-RRAH” that died in Lagos. I knew little about Fela except some of his album covers owned by my uncle and a certain song by the boys that went “bia ka anyi guzo na ulo nso Fela! 2x Ebe ana eri na ese ****!2x” (come lets go to Fela’s holy home 2x where we can eat and smoke ***!2x)

    Guest: Hello sir… My name is Adedayo Akintobi. I am the publisher of a small family of community newspapers named today community newspapers. We serve a number of communities across Lagos mainly llupeju, Ikeja, Agbara and a number of other places.

    Presenter: How did Fela-Today come about?

    Guest: Well, like the story you told about your secondary school experience, Fela has what we could call one of the largest community of followers in Nigeria and in Africa. So if we call ourselves a community based media house, then Fela need to be one of our constituencies and  that results the notion of commemorating the 20th anniversary of his passing in a more substantive way. This year’s Felabration is bigger and grander than previous years because it is a milestone – 20 years. So, we thought it is worthy and deserving to take a deeper look into his life, his times and his music on this milestone.

    Presenter: How often do you intend to put out this publication?

    Guest: At the moment, this is the first effort and we want to see how the Fela’s larger family or fans or friends or admirers even non-fans would embrace it. A lot of what is recounted in the content of this publication is inside information that sheds a whole new light about what Fela was all about. Acolytes of Fela and Afro-beat would also have so much to gain from this publication. So I would say we will simply take it one step at a time and watch the responses to this effort at commemorating his legacy, and then we would decide how to go further with it.

    Presenter: What do you think would be the aftermath of Afro-beat in the next 30 years?

    Guest: If today we’re still here talking about Fela, launching a publication about Fela 20 years after his demise, that’s simply to show that his message was relevant and timeless. If it had survived 20 years then it will survive 20 times 20 more years. Yeni kuti; Fela’s daughter said he died a disillusioned man trying to tell us something which to a large part, we turned a deaf ear.

    Presenter: When was your first encounter with Fela

    Guest: That was the biggest catalyst for trying to do this project. I had an encounter with him even though it was quite fleeting. It was way back in1990, probably those days when you were still in secondary school… Yeah, back in 1990, I lived in Los Angeles, and Fela was in town with his Eqypt 80 band on a world tour. I ran a Limo business which provided Hollywood stars with transportation.

    The local promoter of the Fela band approached me for a discount. I was a Fela fan so I didn’t charge. When Abami Eda found out about that, he asked to see me in his hotel room. He arranged backseat passes to his show for me and a couple of friends. In his hotel room he came out characteristically in his underwear! (Everyone burst out laughing) Yeah, and he gave me a big old bear hug! I was actually trying to speak like an American but he said “yeye dey smell!” I simply had to switch to the pidgin I had learnt back here in Nigeria to be able to relate to him. There’s a photograph in the publication that captures that moment in his hotel room.

    Although he was just getting made up to go for his performance, we had about a 15-20 minute discussion whereby he asked a lot of questions and he showed a genuine interest in me. What are you doing in America? What are your long term plans? Don’t forget your roots. Don’t forget to contribute your quota to your continent etc. the same way he touched me he touched several other people interpersonally or through his music, leaving an unforgettable memory of himself and therein lies his greatness.

    At this point Azuka Jebose calls in from the United States, appreciates the publisher for coming up with such a project and for giving him a chance to be a contributor. Azuka thinks Wizkid should go to Fela’s graveside and apologize for letting people compare him to Fela because he sold out a mere 5000 seat arena. Azuka recalls his days as a young journalist with Punch and his association with Fela. He describes Fela as a movement that chooses to bring about the true nature of Africans. Brilliant, simple and gifted if you sat down to have a conversation, you’d begin to understand the deepness of his commitment to issues of Africa. He challenged the system and called us to action and woke up something in us even though we were scared, but the message continues to spread till date. In other words, don’t judge his lifestyle because it was part of the music. In fact they both complimented each other.

     Presenter: Finally Adedayo Akintobi, what are the shortcomings of the proliferation of Fela’s message?

    Guest: We have a cultural predisposition to be conformists by the very nature of our culture. We were raised not to question authority and accept things just the way they are. We are a conforming docile accepting type of people. Look at Occupy Nigeria for example, after three or four days, the then president called out the military and next thing everybody scattered.

    If Fela was there, what do you think he would do? He would be the last man standing to get battered, bruised and beaten to an inch of his life. But unfortunately there was not one single Fela among us.

    Transcript is from Read it, tell it, a 30-minute segment on #Reggae1Drop on Top Radio 90.9FM Lagos. The programme which airs every Sunday by 8pm is anchored by Georg Nakanda and geared towards promoting Nigerian Literature.