Fela -Phenomenon And Legacy

Some opinion out there question the right of people like me to question the kind of image being touted of Fela when I am not a member of the KUTI family, however Fela’s answer in 1983 after my departure from his organization to the question: “apart from your immediate family who is the person you hold in very high esteem?” And his answer: “Ohh! There are some young boys – heavy young boys! One is called ID! One is called Duro! One is called Femi-photo! These three young boys they’ve been with me for a long time. When they burnt my house many people left me you know! Because I didn’t have bread (money), till now I still don’t have enough bread! Many people left me, but these boys stayed – going on and everything! I dig them so much. And you know they read a lot of books, history books, and African political books! Economic books! African things – they are very vast in knowledge, I dig them you know! I trust them completely. For now! I trust them completely!” (FELA SPEAKS: www.radioshrine.com) From this answer, I hope people can understand where people like us are coming from. Without no pretence and no apologies, I hereby present to my readers the essence of Fela’s message and struggle from a deep and authentic experience and knowledge of the man. This is a far cry from the brand name FELA, where he was portrayed as an indecisive man running to his mother for assurance and inspiration and championing polygamy. Included in this volume, a comprehensive discography of Fela, with a summary of all the songs and what message they carry. Happy Reading and Please Pass the Message! Mabinuori Kayode IDOWU (aka ID).