Fela Kuti, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, was a pioneering musician, composer, and activist known for his creation of Afrobeat, a fusion of traditional Yoruba music, jazz, funk, and highlife. His life was marked by a relentless pursuit of social justice, often expressed through his music and outspoken activism.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Fela studied music in London at the Trinity College of Music. He then returned to Nigeria and formed his band, Koola Lobitos, which later evolved into Africa '70. Fela's music became increasingly political, addressing issues such as corruption, government oppression, and the exploitation of the Nigerian people.

In 1970, Fela established his own commune, the Kalakuta Republic, in Lagos, which served as both a recording studio and a residential space for his band and followers. The Nigerian government viewed Fela as a threat due to his outspoken criticism, leading to frequent raids, arrests, and harassment of him and his followers.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Fela released numerous albums that became anthems for the oppressed and marginalized in Nigeria and beyond. His songs, often lengthy and filled with complex musical arrangements, served as both entertainment and a call to action.

Fela's activism extended beyond his music. He founded the Movement of the People party, ran for president of Nigeria in 1979, and consistently challenged the Nigerian government's authority and policies. His activism and popularity made him a target, and he endured numerous arrests, beatings, and even the destruction of his commune by the Nigerian military in 1977.

​Despite facing persecution, Fela continued to use his music as a tool for social change until his death on August 2, 1997, from complications related to HIV/AIDS. His legacy as a musical innovator, political activist, and cultural icon endures, influencing generations of musicians and activists worldwide. Fela Kuti's impact on music and social justice continues to be celebrated and remembered globally.