Who's Who data will not be updated until October, 2011.
FELA ANIKULAPO-KUTI
FELA ANIKULAPO-KUTI Born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, in 1938, the scion of a family of social reformers, he was to become famous throughout Africa and the diaspora as a firebrand, icon, musician, composer, performer and troublemaker par excellence! He used his music as a weapon, condemning military regimes in Nigeria for their mismanagement, and marginalization of the underprivileged. In return he was constantly harassed, arrested more than 200 times and beaten savagely on many occasions. None of this slowed him down; he produced in excess of 70 albums of music during his career. Larger than life, he toured the United States and Europe with an entourage of 80 people to tremendous public and critical acclaim. Fela’s ardent fans include musicians such as Paul McCartney, Ginger Baker, the Chili Peppers, Brian Eno, David Byrne, James Brown, Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu and countless others. His sad passing in August 1997 at the age of 58 was mourned by the nation. In death he retained the legendary status by which he was proclaimed by the one million people who lined the streets of Lagos to pay their last respects: Abami Eda (Chief Priest), “He will live forever!”
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Fela!
Eugene O'Neill Theatre
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