BHBC The Crew Edition: Fela Kuti and the Birth of AfroBeat - Day 11
Day 11: Fela Kuti and the Birth of AfroBeat
The year is 1971.
You are standing outside of the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
Waiting.
The line is long. The air is thick with a tenor of brassy soul and a gut-churning rhythm that makes you drop into your own hips.
The jolt of the familiar.
You are here.
There.
The birth of AfroBeat.
This was no brightly colored music video.
No.
This was a vivid spiritual and socio-political war. A people’s rebellion underscored with white tribal paint under beautiful women’s eyes. An ancient inquisition dotting their foreheads. Fela Kuti, his crew of wives, his commune, and his continent of followers challenged the state and disrupted the status quo. Their courage was met with violence that resulted in the funeral procession of the matriarch of the movement.
Let’s pay our respects.
Meet us in the Streets: Grab your earbuds, put on your sneakers, and join co-founders Morgan and Vanessa for Black History Bootcamp, a walking podcast powered by GirlTrek. We can’t wait to talk…
LIVE! Weekdays, April 1 - 30, 2022
9am PT | 10am MT | 11am CT | 12pm ET
Dial: 1 (646) 876-9923 CODE: 734464325
(+16468769923,,734464325#)
Missed the call?
Catch up on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Google podcasts.
Episodes are available after 48 hours.
Crew Conversation Guide:
The Question:
What do you think about polygamy?
Were there missed opportunities in these powerful musical movements led by people like Fela and James Brown?
What can musicians today learn from them?
The Playlist: Crew Edition Playlist of the Day
If you want to join the 21-Day Bootcamp and continue to receive these emails, click here. If it is giving you life, forward this and invite a friend.