Fela Kuti Profile and Discography

Go Back

Fela Kuti

First Name:

Other Names:

Last Name:

Stage Name:

Country:

Born:

D.O.D:

Primary Language:

Other Languages:

Participations

Vocalist

Co-Performer

Songwriter

Bio

Fela Kuti, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was a renowned Nigerian musician and activist who pioneered Afrobeat. He founded "Africa '70" and used his music fearlessly to confront Nigeria's corrupt government and advocate for social justice. Fela's music sparked both acclaim and controversy, solidifying his status as a cherished cultural figure in Nigeria. His powerful musical legacy transcended borders, inspiring movements and earning him numerous posthumous accolades and recognition.

Discography

Albums⁴⁷

The Best of the Black President 22013 • AlbumTracks: 12

Live In Detroit 19862012 • AlbumTracks: 4

The '69 Los Angeles Sessions1993 • AlbumTracks: 10

Underground System1992 • AlbumTracks: 3

O.D.O.O.1989 • AlbumTracks: 2

Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense1986 • AlbumTracks: 2

Army Arrangement1985 • AlbumTracks: 2

Live In Amsterdam1984 • AlbumTracks: 3

Perambulator1983 • AlbumTracks: 2

Original Sufferhead1981 • AlbumTracks: 3

Music Of Many Colors1980 • AlbumTracks: 2

International Thief Thief ( I.T.T.)1980 • AlbumTracks: 1

Coffin for Head of State1980 • AlbumTracks: 1

Authority Stealing1980 • AlbumTracks: 1

Unknown Soldier1979 • AlbumTracks: 1

V.I.P (Vagabonds in Power) (Live in Berlin)1978 • AlbumTracks: 1

Shuffering and Shmiling1978 • AlbumTracks: 3

Sorrow Tears and Blood1977 • AlbumTracks: 2

Fear Not For Man1977 • AlbumTracks: 2

Opposite People1977 • AlbumTracks: 2

Zombie1977 • AlbumTracks: 4

J.J.D (Johnny Just Drop)1977 • AlbumTracks: 1

No Agreement1977 • AlbumTracks: 2

Stalemate1977 • AlbumTracks: 2

Unnecessary Begging1976 • AlbumTracks: 2

Upside Down1976 • AlbumTracks: 2

Ikoyi Blindness1976 • AlbumTracks: 2

Excuse O1976 • AlbumTracks: 2

Kalakuta Show1976 • AlbumTracks: 2

Yellow Fever1976 • albumTracks: 2

Na Poi1976 • AlbumTracks: 2

Expensive Shit1975 • AlbumTracks: 2

Before I Jump Like Monkey Give Me Banana1975 • albumTracks: 2

He Miss Road1975 • AlbumTracks: 3

Everything Scatter1975 • AlbumTracks: 2

Noise For Vendor Mouth1975 • AlbumTracks: 2

Alagbon Close1974 • AlbumTracks: 2

Afrodisiac1973 • AlbumTracks: 4

Gentleman1973 • AlbumTracks: 3

Shakara1972 • AlbumTracks: 2

Roforofo Fight1972 • AlbumTracks: 4

Fela With Ginger Baker Live!1971 • AlbumTracks: 5

London Scene1971 • AlbumTracks: 5

Live!1971 • AlbumTracks: 5

Open and Close1971 • AlbumTracks: 3

Why Black Man Dey Suffer1971 • AlbumTracks: 2

Fela Ransome Kuti and His Koola Lobitos1965 • AlbumTracks: 11

Compilations⁴

Highlife-Jazz And Afro-Soul -1963-19692016 • CompilationTracks: 39

Finding Fela2014 • CompilationTracks: 16

FELA! Original Broadway Cast Recording2012 • CompilationTracks: 23

The Best of the Black President1999 • CompilationTracks: 13

EPs¹

Fela's Special/Aigana1960 • EPTracks: 3

Singles²

Beasts of No Nation1989 • SingleTracks: 1

Nigerian Independence1920 • singleTracks: 1

Label

Record Label associated with Fela Kuti - past and current.

Similar Artists

Ernesto Djedje

Ivory Coast |1948| French

Ernesto Djédjé, was an influential Ivorian Musician from Daloa. Djédjé grew up in an environment that was steeped in music and began playing guitar at his teenage years when he joined "Ivoiro star", a leading dopé band. He continued to perform and made his first recording with Anoma Brou Felix with assistance from Manu Dibango. During this time, Djédjé developed a unique style of Bete root music. He performed extensively home and abroad and was a major influence on the development of African music.

Lee Dodou

Ghana |1952| Ga

Lee Dodou is a renowned musician from Ghana who played a vital role in developing the Burger Highlife style. He began his musical journey at the young age of five and showed exceptional talent. After high school, he collaborated with famous Ghanaian musicians, which helped him refine his skills and exposed him to various influences. In 1973, he founded Bisa-Goma, which became very popular until 1977. He formed Kantata in 1984 and achieved significant success with "Asa Boni Track" on the French charts. With a long list of successful collaborations and solo projects, he remains a virtuoso artist who has captivated audiences worldwide and left an indelible mark on the music industry.

General Franco Lee Ezute

Nigeria |1949| Igbo

General Franco Lee Ezute, born Francis Ezute, was a Nigerian Highlife singer, performer, and musician. He was nicknamed Franco Lee due to his early musical proficiency. He played various percussion instruments during celebrations of the local deity Nkata, as his father was a chief priest. He later became an apprentice in De Opia's Melody Makers band in the late 1960s, where he further expanded his music mastery. After a period with the Melody Makers, he formed his group called "The Harmony Kings International" and continued to tour and release music with his band's assistance. He died in 2013 at the age of 64.

K.Frimpong

Ghana |1939| Twi

Mohammed Ibrahim Kwame Frimpong, professionally known as K.Frimpong, was a Ghanaian musician who fused highlife, funk, and disco music in the 1970s. In 1975, he formed his own band, the Cubano Fiestas, and released his debut album, which included the hit song "Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu," which was well received in Ghana and throughout West Africa. His music gained popularity for addressing social issues such as poverty and corruption. Although he passed away in 2005, Frimpong's music remains evergreen in Ghana.

Mélomé Clément

Benin |1934| French

Mélomé Clément was a highly influential Beninese musician and the conductor and saxophonist of the Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo. Clément started his career in 1968 with the Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo and managed to keep the group's flame alive, though it went under for a period and returned in 2009. He and his band was able to bring their stunning combination of funk, soul, voodoo rhythms, and Afrobeat to the world stages. Mélomé Clément passed away at the age of 67 following a heart attack.

Paapa Yankson

Ghana |1944| Akan

Benjamin Paapa Kofi Yankson, known as Paapa Yankson, was a celebrated Ghanaian highlife singer, songwriter, and producer. Born into a musical family, his early passion for music led him to join The Carousel Seven band in the 1970s. Yankson's talent was recognized, and he enrolled at the National Academy of Music, graduating with a diploma in music. He worked as a music organizer before joining Western Diamonds and later Golden Nuggets. In 1995, he embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and producing hit songs. Yankson received awards and accolades for his contributions to Ghanaian music, leaving an enduring legacy in highlife music.

Ebo Taylor

Ghana |1936| Twi

Deroy Taylor, better known as Ebo Taylor, is a renowned Ghanaian musician and producer known for his contributions to highlife and afrobeat music. He has collaborated with musicians such as Fela Kuti and the Afrobeat Academy and produced music for several prominent artists. His solo projects blend traditional Ghanaian music with afrobeat, jazz, and funk, making him a recognizable figure in the music scene. He has received several lifetime achievement awards and continues to produce creative music at an advanced age.

Reggie Msomi

South Africa |1920| English

Reggie Msomi, born in Natal, South Africa, emerged as a musical luminary in the mid-20th century. Beginning with a homemade guitar at age ten, he journeyed from the gold mines to become a versatile musician, talent scout, and band leader. Joining RCA and later Gallo Africa, he collaborated with stars like Miriam Makeba and composed hits for Spokes Mashiyane. In 1962, Reggie formed the Hollywood Jazz Band, showcasing his multifaceted talents. Msomi's solo projects, including the 1976 "Swing Africa," exemplify his eclectic style. A pivotal figure in South African music, his legacy resonates through his enduring compositions and contributions to the nation's cultural tapestry.