Fela Kuti's Music: A Sonic Weapon for Revolution
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Resources & Recommendations
Books
- Articles about Fela Kuti by John Darnton (New York Times) - Darnton, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, wrote many articles about Fela Kuti, including a vivid description of his pre-performance ritual.
Videos & Documentaries
- Videos of public executions of criminals and dissidents on the beach in Nigeria - Referenced as a stark contrast to the atmosphere within Fela Kuti's Shrine, showcasing the dictatorship's brutality.
People Mentioned
- Ayo Edebiri (Actor, Writer) - Mentioned for her "cult-like fascination" with Fela Kuti, highlighting his broad appeal.
- Questlove (Musician, Musical Mind) - Referenced for recognizing Fela Kuti as a figure whose story resonates with modern American hip hop culture, connecting him to artists like Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
- Michael Veal (Musician, Professor of Music at Yale) - An advisor on the podcast project, he provided vivid descriptions of experiencing Fela Kuti's music in Lagos.
- Lisa Lindsay (Professor of History at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill) - Specializes in West African history and provided context about Fela Kuti declaring his compound, Kalakuta Republic, a sovereign nation.
- John Darnton (Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the New York Times) - Wrote extensively about Fela Kuti, including a detailed account of his pre-performance ritual.
- Nina Darnton (Journalist, John Darnton's wife) - Read an excerpt from her husband's vivid description of Fela Kuti's pre-game ritual.
- Malcolm X - His picture was displayed on the altar at Fela Kuti's Shrine, signifying his influence.
- Kwame Nkrumah (First President of Ghana) - His picture was displayed on the altar at Fela Kuti's Shrine, signifying his influence.
- Stephanie Shona Cannon (Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Bode Omojola (Professor of Ethnomusicology at Mount Holyoke) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Dele Sosimi (Afrobeat Musician) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Duro Ikujenyo (Afrobeat Musician) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Saul Williams (Activist, Filmmaker, Musician) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Brian Eno (Musician, Producer) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Lemi Ghariokwu (Artist) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Marilyn Nance (Photographer) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Lorraine Anomossen (Designer) - One of the voices heard discussing Fela Kuti's music.
- Moses Ochunu (Professor of History at Vanderbilt University) - An advisor on the podcast project and colleague of Jad Abumrad, he shared his personal experience of Fela Kuti's music in Nigeria.
Organizations & Institutions
- Knitting Factory Records - Special thanks was given to this organization.
- BMG - Special thanks was given to this organization.
Websites & Online Resources
- Fela Kuti: Fear No Man - A 12-part podcast series about Fela Kuti, available on all podcast platforms.
- Planet Visionaries Podcast - A podcast created in partnership with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, exploring bold ideas and solutions in conservation.
- OMGS.com - A website sharing findings from a large study into women's pleasure and intimacy, featuring research-backed techniques.
Other Resources
- Fela Gold - Nickname for a "glittery gooey substance" described as a distilled extract of marijuana that Fela Kuti consumed before performances.