Fela Anikulapo Kuti was not only a revolutionary musician but also a fierce opponent of military rule in Nigeria. His music and activism placed him in direct conflict with the country’s military government, which ruled through violence, corruption, and oppression. Fela’s open defiance of these regimes made him a symbol of resistance, while also subjecting him to relentless persecution.
Nigeria Under Military Rule
In the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria was under the control of various military dictatorships that seized power through coups. The military government operated with an iron fist, clamping down on dissent and opposition. Corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement were rampant. For many Nigerians, the military regime was a source of immense suffering, and few dared to publicly criticize the authorities. Fela Kuti was one of the rare voices who did.
Music as Political Resistance
Fela’s music became a powerful weapon against the military government. His lyrics were bold, addressing the realities of life under military dictatorship—corruption, police brutality, and the exploitation of the masses. Songs like Zombie and Unknown Soldier directly criticized the military, portraying soldiers as mindless followers of oppressive leaders. In Zombie, Fela likened soldiers to zombies who blindly follow orders without thinking about the moral consequences. This track became a massive hit, but it also infuriated the government.
The Attack on Kalakuta Republic
Fela’s open defiance came to a head in 1977, when the Nigerian military launched a brutal attack on his self-declared independent commune, Kalakuta Republic. Kalakuta was not just Fela’s home—it was a political and cultural hub where like-minded individuals gathered to create music and art, as well as to resist the government’s oppressive rule.
The military raid on Kalakuta was devastating. Soldiers burned down the compound, destroyed valuable recording equipment, and subjected Fela and his supporters to severe beatings. During the raid, Fela’s mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a prominent activist herself, was thrown from a window, an injury that would eventually contribute to her death. The raid was a traumatic event for Fela, but instead of silencing him, it further fueled his resistance.
Response Through Music: Coffin for Head of State
Fela’s response to the military attack was to channel his anger and grief into his music. He released the song Coffin for Head of State, a bold critique of Nigeria’s rulers. In a symbolic act of defiance, Fela and his followers marched to the residence of the military leader at the time, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and left a coffin there as a symbol of the deaths and suffering caused by the government. This act cemented Fela’s status as an icon of resistance.
Multiple Arrests and Persecution
Fela Kuti’s activism made him a persistent target for the military government. He was arrested more than 200 times during his life and was often subjected to beatings and harassment. In 1984, under the rule of General Muhammadu Buhari, Fela was imprisoned on trumped-up charges of currency smuggling. He was sentenced to five years in prison, but international pressure, including support from Amnesty International, eventually led to his release after 18 months.
Despite the ongoing persecution, Fela never wavered in his commitment to fighting the military government. His music remained unapologetically political, and his defiance became a source of inspiration for millions of Nigerians and people around the world.
Legacy of Resistance
Fela Kuti’s battles with the military government cemented his legacy as more than just a musician—he became a symbol of resistance against tyranny. Through his fearless use of music, Fela exposed the injustices of military rule and gave a voice to the oppressed. His confrontations with the military, although marked by violence and loss, strengthened his resolve to fight for a better Nigeria.
Fela’s legacy continues to inspire activists and musicians alike, as his music remains relevant in contemporary struggles against authoritarianism and corruption. His defiance against military regimes serves as a reminder of the power of art in challenging unjust systems.
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Written By Fortune Davidson