Nigerian singer, Wizkid, has in an interview with HipTV, shut down comparison, between him and music legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whom he said he idolizes.
According to the singer, it is disrespectful, to put him and Fela in the same sentence, as the later remain his idol.
The singer also spoke on his Sony deal, as he gave reasons why he has no photo with Drake yet.
Video below;
https://youtu.be/kTo8sRb0lN8
Nigerian music legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti is one whose efforts at social and political reformation has had great impacts through different generations.
Well known for using his craft to criticize and bring the ills of the government to the fore, Fela was highly respected. A man whose legacy is evergreen, idolised in life and long after death.
Sunday,the 10th of December 2017 had thespians gathered at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos to tell the story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens. The life of the music legend through a stage play was presented in a different light.
Directed by Bolanle Austen Peters, for the first time, the story of Fela’s queens; the Kalakuta queens was told.
Playing the role of Fela, Laitan Adeniji in a well ennacted manner, potrayed a perfect picture of Fela and life in Kalakuta.
From been assaulted and battered for staying with the legend, the queens, all found their ways to become Mrs. Fela.
The Kalakuzu (Kalakuta prison), the Kalakondo, (Fela’s room), and many more were attractions of the play. Little did anyone know of the loyalty of the queens to their Fela, despite great disrespect from the public. Raped and battered by the law, these queens stayed with their king till the end.
Who knew that the slight they got from the public led the legend to making them his wives. “Without my queens, there is no me,” he said as he declared that he was going to make all twenty of them, his wives on the same day.
The rivalry between these queens was also one that could be described in no other way than amazing. Rivals today, friends tomorrow. As long as it is in the interest of their home, Kalakuta.
According to the director, the story was gotten from the Kuti family thus, all information was first hand. One of the late singer’s band members was also present at the event.
Two of the Kalakuta queens, Lara and Laide were present at the showand spoke fondly of their king. They however confirmed the authenticity of the story.
Just like the food we eat, music, which is described as a sound that is pleasant to the ear, often accompanied with rhythm which is responsible for its melodious aura, gives us life and energizes us.
Nigerian music over time has served in various capacities, not just as a form of entertainment but more as a tool for sensitization in various facets of life.
Standing strong as the forerunner of African music, Nigerian music has produced musical legends like Fela Anikulapo Kuti whose music has remained evergreen, inspiring great musicians to remain at the top of their craft while he keeps sensitizing the public of the ills of the Nigerian politics (Beast of no Nation is one of such songs) as he keeps entertaining life lovers being the pioneer of the Afro-Fuji Music.
Today, the music legend, Fela has become a brand of music in Africa with the prestigious Felabration, a music festival held yearly in his memory, bringing together, brilliant musical acts to the Fela shrine in his honour.
In the footstep of Fela, we’ve had singers like African China, Eedris Abdulkareem and Tuface Idibia, use their craft to sensitize the nation about the ills of the society.
As art remains the mirror of the society, there is the need for artists to use their music as a true reflection of the society and these musicians have so far achieved this goal.
When one talks of entertainment, Nigeria is by all standards a hub of entertainment in Africa with several musical acts springing up daily, dishing the country, beautiful renditions by fertile talents that keeps satisfying the craving for good music.
The likes of Wizkid is fast becoming a force in the world of music as he keeps gaining grounds in the world over and in Africa, (most especially) thanks to his unique talent and energy.
Standing it’s ground as one of the country’s most valuable exports, Nigerian music is and will always be capable of tranquilizing the minds of music lovers all over the world.
