Fela is a term derived from Nigerian musician Fela Kuti's name and is used to refer to a style of music known as Afrobeat. Afrobeat combines elements of West African highlife music, American jazz, funk, and traditional Yoruba rhythms. Fela Kuti, a highly influential musician and political activist, popularized this genre in the 1970s and 1980s.
As a slang term, "Fela" has also evolved to represent a cultural and social movement associated with Fela Kuti's music. It encompasses the ideals of resistance, liberation, social justice, and empowerment. The movement embraces Fela Kuti's strong political stance against corruption, oppression, and inequality.
Furthermore, the term "Fela" has become synonymous with Fela Kuti himself, who is often hailed as the father of Afrobeat and an icon of African music. He used his music as a platform to raise awareness about socio-political issues and challenge the government, often subjected to censorship and imprisonment as a result of his activism.
In contemporary usage, "Fela" also refers to the fans and followers of Fela Kuti's music, who continue to celebrate and promote the Afrobeat genre and its associated values. These individuals are drawn to the music's infectious rhythms, powerful lyrics, and its potential to inspire change. Fela's music and legacy continue to influence artists worldwide and contribute to the global cultural landscape.
