Fela Kuti

Saxophonist

Birthday October 15, 1938

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace Abeokuta, Nigeria

DEATH DATE Aug 2, 1997 (58)

#47,187 Most Popular

About

Afrobeat pioneer, political activist, composer, and musician. His life was commemorated in an off-Broadway musical called Fela!, which was nominated for more than ten Tony Awards.

Before Fame

He lived in London and attended Trinity College of Music, where he founded his first band called Koola Lobitos.

Trivia

After renaming his band, Kuti's music became more political.

Family Life

He married his first wife, Remilekun Taylor, in 1960 and had three children with her; in 1978, he married twenty-seven women.

Associated With

Kuti was referenced by Thom Yorke as one of his larger influences in creating Atoms for Peace.