Former United States President, Barack Obama, has honoured late Nigerian Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing him as a “musical genius” who fused art with activism to create a powerful global movement.
Obama made the remarks in a video posted on his social media accounts on Wednesday night, where he announced the launch of a new 12-episode podcast titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man.”
The series, produced under Higher Ground, the media company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, celebrates the life, music, and political influence of the late Afrobeat pioneer.
“You may have heard our documentary podcast last year about Stevie Wonder called The Wonder of Stevie,” Obama said. “Well, I want to be the first to tell you about the next podcast from Higher Ground that just came out. It’s about the legendary Fela Kuti.
“He is a musical genius from Nigeria who made some music that I really love, combining funk, jazz, and soul into a whole new genre called Afrobeat. It’s a beautiful show about a unique figure in musical history who mixed art with activism,” he added.
Currently in its fourth episode, the series traces Fela’s revolutionary journey, beginning with his childhood and his mother’s influence through his transformative years in 1969 Los Angeles, where music and politics reshaped him into a Pan-Africanist freedom fighter.
In the opening episode, “To Hell and Back,” Obama himself is featured among the interviewees, reflecting on Fela’s lasting impact. “Music like Fela’s is able to not just keep folks moving but also makes them feel alive. Our very best art and very best music touch the soul,” he said.
According to the producers, ‘Fear No Man’ drew from over 200 interviews featuring Fela’s family, friends, and global icons such as Burna Boy, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Santigold, and Obama himself. Members of the Kuti family including Yeni, Femi, and Mádé Kuti were also featured.
Described as a deep dive into the soul of Afrobeat, the podcast explores Fela’s artistry, activism, and the enduring power of music to challenge injustice and inspire change amid today’s global unrest.
