Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has paid glowing tribute to the late Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing him as a musical genius and fearless activist whose influence continues to shape global music and social consciousness nearly three decades after his passing.
Obama’s remarks were featured in a newly launched podcast series titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,” produced by Higher Ground, the media company he co-founded with his wife, Michelle Obama. The podcast, which premiered on October 22, 2025, explores the extraordinary life, music, and activism of Fela Kuti—an artist widely celebrated for fusing rhythm with resistance and using art as a tool for political awakening.
In a short video posted on his official Instagram page, Obama expressed deep admiration for Fela, saying his connection to the Afrobeat pioneer goes beyond music. “I really love him,” Obama said. “He is a musical genius from Nigeria, a unique figure in musical history who made music that I really love.”
A Tribute from a Global Leader to an African Icon
Obama’s tribute marks a significant moment in cultural diplomacy and recognition of African artistry on the world stage. As the first Black U.S. president and an outspoken admirer of African creativity, Obama’s words carry symbolic weight—bridging the gap between political leadership and cultural celebration.
The podcast series, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, is part of Higher Ground’s broader effort to amplify voices that have influenced global movements for justice, equality, and artistic freedom. The series delves into Fela’s life as a revolutionary musician, his defiance against oppressive regimes, and his lasting impact on generations of artists and activists worldwide.
Obama’s decision to spotlight Fela in this series, sources say, reflects his long-standing belief in the power of music as a unifying force. During his presidency, Obama frequently spoke about how music transcends borders and inspires collective action. His personal playlists—shared annually while in office and after—often included African artists such as Fela, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, introducing millions of listeners around the world to the vibrant sounds of the continent.
Fela’s Music: A Soundtrack of Resistance
Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in 1938, Fela was more than a musician; he was a fearless voice for the oppressed. His songs, infused with complex rhythms, jazzy horn sections, and politically charged lyrics, criticized military rule, corruption, and inequality in Nigeria.
Tracks such as Zombie, Coffin for Head of State, and Water No Get Enemy became anthems of defiance during Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods. Fela’s performances at his iconic Kalakuta Republic compound were both musical celebrations and political protests, often attended by thousands who saw him as a symbol of resistance and freedom.
Obama’s recognition of Fela’s legacy underscores the timelessness of his message. “Fela used his voice not just to entertain but to challenge power, to awaken people to what was happening around them,” Obama noted in the podcast. “That’s the kind of courage and creativity that changes societies.”
Global Reactions to Obama’s Tribute
Following the podcast’s release, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from fans, musicians, and cultural commentators across Africa and beyond. Many praised Obama for honoring Fela’s legacy and for spotlighting the importance of African art in global history.
Prominent Nigerian artists including Seun Kuti and Femi Kuti, Fela’s sons who have carried on his musical and activist legacy, shared the video on their platforms, thanking Obama for recognizing their father’s contributions. “Fela’s spirit lives on,” Seun Kuti posted. “Hearing President Obama speak about him with such love shows how far his message has traveled.”
Cultural critics also commended the Higher Ground production for highlighting Fela’s complex persona—his brilliance, defiance, and contradictions—offering a balanced portrayal that both celebrates and examines his impact.
The Legacy of Fela Kuti
Fela’s influence on contemporary music is undeniable. He is often credited as the pioneer of Afrobeat, a genre that blends traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. Today, Afrobeat’s evolution—popularized by artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Tems—has become one of Africa’s most successful cultural exports.
In 2021, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominated Fela for induction, further cementing his place among the world’s greatest musical innovators. His activism also continues to inspire human rights movements across Africa, where young people still chant his slogans and sample his lyrics in modern protest songs.
Obama’s acknowledgment of this enduring legacy is seen as a validation of Fela’s global relevance. “Music can change the way people think,” Obama said during the podcast. “Fela proved that rhythm can carry a message of resistance, and that art can transform the consciousness of an entire generation.”
Art Meets Activism
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man is not just a biographical series—it is a philosophical reflection on the role of artists in shaping social change. Through interviews, archival recordings, and commentary from musicians and historians, the series traces how Fela’s life intertwined with the broader struggle for freedom across postcolonial Africa.
The project aligns with Obama’s ongoing advocacy for creativity as a form of leadership. During the podcast, he emphasized that societies thrive when artists are free to speak truth to power. “When we silence our artists, we lose a part of our humanity,” he said. “Fela never allowed fear to silence him—and that’s a lesson the world still needs today.”
Continuing Fela’s Spirit
Nearly 30 years after his death in 1997, Fela’s music remains as urgent and inspiring as ever. His messages about corruption, inequality, and African unity continue to resonate, especially among young Africans seeking change.
The release of Obama’s podcast has reignited interest in Fela’s discography, with streaming platforms reporting increased searches and downloads of his classic albums such as Expensive Shit, No Agreement, and Gentleman.
For Obama, the tribute is both personal and political—a reminder that art and activism are inseparable when it comes to transforming societies. “Fela’s music reminds us that courage is contagious,” Obama concluded. “When one person stands up and speaks truth, others find the strength to do the same.”
As millions tune in to the new series, the world is once again reminded that Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s voice—like his rhythm—can never be silenced.
