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Fela Kuti Bio, Life, Death And Other Facts You Need To Know

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Fela Kuti is not popular for nothing: his name is synonymous with Afrobeat (a blend of jazz, soul, funk, improvised vocal, and old Nigerian/Ghanaian highlife); his genre is closely associated with protest; and he is considered the godfather to many notable African artists and Nigerian musicians like Davido, Tekno, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Yemi Alade.

Over the years, a whole lot of artists have picked up on the musical success of Fela Kuti, who earned himself so much admiration for bringing the African culture and its concerns to the world stage and openly condemning the corrupt military dictatorships in Nigeria at the time through his controversial songs.

To date, the Afrobeat legend is rated as the king of Nigerian music and one of Africa’s most essential voices who stood for truth and justice in the 60s and 70s.

Fela Kuti’s Bio

The charismatic multi-instrumentalist is the son of Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti and Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who welcomed him into the world on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Kuti was named Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti at birth by his parents. His father who was a school teacher and an Anglican minister while his mother was an anti-colonial activist.

Born into a wealthy family, the musician had a comfortable childhood as well as access to the best education at the time. He had his secondary school education at Abeokuta Grammar School. Upon his graduation, Fela’s parents sent him to Britain to pursue a career in Medicine.

On getting to Britain in 1958, the music legend changed his mind and switched to music. He was tutored at the renowned Trinity College of Music, where he particularly developed a strong interest in the trumpet. It was while Fela was still studying in London that he launched his first band called Koola Lobitos. The musical group, at the time, used to play a blend of highlife and jazz with native African drums.

The Afrobeat icon was not the only child of his parents, as he has two brothers whose names are Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and Beko Ransome-Kuti who are both respected medical doctors in Nigeria.

Musicology

After a successful musical education in London, Fela Kuti decided to return to Nigeria. He eventually did in 1963 and later met Sandra Izsadore (also known as Sandra Smith) during a tour of the United States in 1969.

Fela’s meeting with the Black Panther Party member had a significant influence on him and eventually gave rise to his decision to switch from his gleeful music pattern to a volcanic and political rebellious-patterned Afrobeat genre.

His first move upon his arrival to Nigeria was to change the name of his band to The Afrika’70. He later adopted the name “Anikulapo” as a replacement to his surname “Ransome”. And as time passed, his songs began to reflect more social issues than love lyrics. At that moment, the Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was born.

Fela Kuti’s band was famed for its call-and-response within the chorus pattern and for performing with two or more guitarists, two baritone saxophones and at times, two bassists.

Besides the simplicity of the musician’s songs, they are also known to be very long (each song lasts between 10–15 minutes). Kuti’s songs were mostly sung in Nigerian pidgin English, though a few of them are performed in the Yoruba language as well.

Talking about his instruments, the music star usually performs with the keyboards, trumpet, saxophone, electric guitar, and drum solo.

Kuti, until the time of his death, recorded over 20 albums which include Open & Close (1971), Fela Fela Fela (1969), Afrodisiac (1973), Expensive Shit (1975), Fela’s London Scene (1971), No Agreement (1977), Beasts of No Nation (1989), Why Black Man Dey Suffer (1971), Confusion (1975), Black President (1981), The Best Best of Fela Kuti (1999), Original Sufferhead (1981), Live! (1971), Zombie (1976), Shakara (1972), Confusion Break Bones (1990), Sorrow Tears and Blood (1977), and much more.

Fela Kuti’s Wife and Children

Fela Kuti was a firm believer in polygamy and in accordance with his beliefs, he ended up marrying several women at the same time in the year 1978.

His first wife is called Remilekun (Remi) Taylor. He got married to her in 1960 and their union was blessed with three children; Femi Kuti, Sola Kuti (who died in 1997), and Yeni Kuti. Fela’s other children who came from his several relationships with other women are Kunle Anikulapo Kuti, Omosalewa Anikulapo Kuti (a Nigerian-based Lawyer), Motunrayo Anikulapo Kuti (a dancer), and Seun Kuti (a musician).

His Life and Death

Besides music, Fela Kuti will forever be remembered as one Nigerian musical icon who boldly expressed his opinions on continental and international matters without fear or favor.

During his lifetime, Kuti was of the opinion that colonialism is the root of the political and socio-economic and problems that plagued the African people. He was also a candid supporter of socialism and Pan-Africanism and was at the forefront for a democratic and united African republic.

Beyond Africa, he was an assertive critic of the United States of America as well. He once condemned the psychological attack that American organizations like the CIA and ITT launched against developing nations with regards to language.

The Abeokuta-born icon also spoke strongly against terms like undeveloped, Nonaligned countries, and Third World, which he said implied inferiority.

According to records, Femi’s constant attack against corruption and the state of affairs in Nigeria and Africa led to his arrest on over 200 different occasions, with the longest being his 20 months jail term after his arrest in 1984.

The human rights activist died on 3 August 1997, in Lagos, at the age of 58, from complications related to AIDS. His passing was announced by his brother, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, who was a prominent AIDS activist.

Kuti’s remains was encased in a five-sided glass coffin and staged for full public viewing, after which he was laid to rest at the site of the old Shrine compound. His funeral was attended by over one million people.

Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti’s funeral

Other Facts You Need To Know about the Musician

1. Fela Kuti’s father was a former member of the Nigeria Union of Teachers. In fact, he was the first president of the association.

2. According to records, the musician is Wole Soyinka’s first cousin. Wole is a renowned Nigerian writer, the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

3. Prior to his death, Kuti attempted to make a movie but his effort was thwarted after his house was engulfed by a fire. According to reports, the fire was set by the military government in power at the time.

4. During his lifetime, the Afrobeat pioneer was supported by some famous African leaders including Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.

5. Kuti was a staunch supporter of human rights and a campaigner against dictatorships, especially during the military era in Nigeria in the 1970s and 1980s.

6. Every year, a festival called “Felabration” is organized to celebrate Fela Kuti’s life and birthday.

7. The musician formerly worked as a radio producer for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation before his music got into full swing.

8. Kuti also banded together with Nigerian highlife icon/trumpeter Victor Olaiya and his All Stars band before fame.

9. From 1958 when Kuti’s career started to 1997 when it ended as a result of his death, he performed under the following labels, Barclay/PolyGram, Celluloid EMI Nigeria, MCA/Universal, Wrasse, JVC, Knitting Factory, and Shanachie.

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What is NIN number in Nigeria?

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According to Wikipedia, a national identification number, national identity number, or national insurance number is used by the governments of many countries as a means of tracking their citizens, permanent residents,  permanent residents, and temporary residents for the purposes of work, taxation, government benefits, health care, and other governmentally-related functions. The number appears on identity documents issued by several countries.

Below are 7 things you need to know about the NIN in Nigeria

  1. The NIN is your assured digital identity
  2. The NIN is a set of 11 numbers assigned to an individual at the completion of enrolment into the national identity database
  3. The NIN is cannot be transferred from one person to another
  4. The NIN is used to verify your identity as a citizen
  5. Your NIN is what identifies you and can suffice for ID purposes
  6. The NIN is for life, it does not expire
  7. The NIN is a must – have for all citizens

Visit http://nimc.gov.ng/ for more details

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Nigeria @ 60: 10 Reasons why Nigerians must celebrate by Olumide Toyinbo

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Nigeria Independence Day Celebration Image

Nigeria gained Independence from the Great Britain on 1st October, 1960. Ever since then, October 1 has been set aside to celebrate the nation for its freedom from the shackles of colonialism. 2020 is the 60th time Nigeria will be marking the day.

A majority of Nigerians are not happy about the state of the country and suggest that no one should celebrate Nigeria at sixty years of age. Corruption in governance, unemployment, inadequate social amenities, kidnapping and many other breaches of sanity steal the atmosphere of the nation.

Amidst all, these ten reasons posit why Nigerians must celebrate and merry on this day, 1st October, 2020.

They include:

  1. There is hope for Nigeria

Hope is not finished for Nigeria. Nigerians can still have progressive dream for their dear country, whether such dream translates to reality in due time is another thing. Nigerians contesting political positions can come with promises of change and development every four years. There can be better days ahead if conscious and right efforts are made. Nigeria can be better.

Read Also: [Full Text] President Buhari’s Independence Day Speech

  1. Nigeria is sovereign

If Nigeria were still dependent literally on another country, Nigerians would definitely be under external control too. Colonialism is not a thing to wish for. The fact that Nigeria is independent is worth celebrating. Nigeria has the free political will which she guard jealously and being held in high esteemed by other countries.

  1. Nigerians are doing well

Nigerians are doing well and making the nation proud within and outside the country. Nigerians are hustling in an innovative manner and engaging in legitimate ventures they find worth doing, be it business, research, production, governance, diplomacy amongst other things. Many distinguished persons are making Nigeria proud even though few some still put her in bad light. Recently, a Nigerian, Kaycee Madu was made  first Black Canadian Justice Minister, this is a pointer to how well Nigerians are doing in disapora.

  1. Nigeria is not in wartime

War is not fun. Those who witnessed the civil war of 1967 to 1970 will always have unpleasant tales to tell about the war which was characterised by colossal loss of lives and valuable properties. Nigeria at 60, we are in the peacetime, the rule of law is obtainable and right to life is not outrightly threatened, for this Nigeria must celebrate, notwithstanding the fact that Nigeria can do more in this regard.

  1. Abundance of Resource abound

Despite mismanagement and underutilisation of resources Nigeria is blessed with by caretakers, those rich natural resources have not vanished the land. Oil still flows, limestone, iron ore and marbles have not been used up, plants still grow generally in the country, many other resources abound. Nigerians must celebrate her national pride.

  1. Diplomatic ties are not severed

The sixty year old nation enjoys good relationship with countries around the world. Conflicts with any nation are well resolved before escalation. Worthy of mention is the recent issue of flight ban between Nigeria and UAE which was settled in due course. The wonderful relationship with other nations has led to great development in the nation via financial aid, infrastructures, medical facilities supplication, scholarships and lot more other benefits.

  1. Nigeria remains the Giant of Africa

Nigeria remains the Giant of Africa against all odds. Nigeria has got the number being the most populous Black nation in the world. She has one of the largest economy in the developing world. For her diversity, heterogeneity and abundance of resources, Nigeria remains the giant of Africa. This has forever remain an identity that won’t fade, Nigerians need to celebrate for that. Many other nations want to be called Giant.

  1. Nigeria’s beautiful Culture persists

Awesome culture is an interesting part of being Nigerian. Every tribe has its fantastic way of life. Culture is beautifully diverse. Nigeria has numerous clothing manners, sense of fashion, building styles, delicacies amongst other things. Despite sixty years of independence, those culture of awesomeness tarry. Nigerians must celebrate this.

  1. Nigeria is a country with funny and happy people

So many hilarious persons domicile in the Giant of Africa. Nigerians love to make one another happy. A good number has turned it to a venture making huge amount for them. This lay emphasis on Nigerians’ innovative prowess. A scroll through any social media platform is enough to confirm that. Nigerians are deliberately happy people despite all what they face.

  1. Independence day is once in a year

1st October comes only once in a year. Celebrate Nigeria on this day and hope for better days ahead while doing your part diligently.

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15 Types Of People You’d Meet In Nigerian Banks

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When it comes to temperament, there are basically four kinds of people on earth, but when behaviours are in play, you can be sure there is a plethora of them. If you bank regularly, you will easily relate to the things on this list. You must have encountered one or more of this kind of people in a bank, they are everywhere and can really get on one’s nerves. Check them out.

1. The Pen Borrowers

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It won’t hurt if every Nigerian will spend N20 to acquire a pen rather than borrowing one in a bank which they usually fail to return. Once you lend out your pen to these borrowers, you have to close mark them else your pen is gone for good. It’s either you won’t recognize the person again or he will tell you “sorry I gave it to the woman over there” when you finally fish him out. Pen borrowers would not bring a pen to the bank but would go home with more than one, this is why most banks attach a rope to their pens. To think that these banks do not trust customers with a common pen, while the customers trust them with their life savings, is alarming.

2. The People Who Always Forget to Drop The Duplicate Slip

It’s either they are in a hurry or are a novice to the banking procedure. These set of people after their transactions will just march out of the banking hall, pink slip in hand. Then later rush back to drop it or complain about an unsuccessful credit transaction which is most often their fault. They raise their voices in their ignorance and succeed in attracting the attention of virtually everyone in the hall.

3. The Ghost Queue Members

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Also known as “I’m behind you” people, these types are really annoying. The first thing they do when they enter a bank is to pick a spot in the queue before going to get deposit/withdrawal slip. Just when other faithful queue members are about to get to the front, their ghost colleagues show up to claim reserved spots. It gets funny at times when about ten people would tell one person “I’m at your back,” only to come back to see other ghost members claiming the same spot. At the end of the day, this causes confusion and if the bank officials do not intervene it may result in a serious fracas.

4. The Queue Jumpers

These ones are worse than the former, they don’t believe in the Nigerian phrase – first come, first serve. They walk into the banking hall and head straight to the counter as though the people in the queue permanently live there. The rich and influential do this a lot, but it will only be courteous for them to seek permission from the people behind them before jumping the queue. Even President Obama once jumped a queue apologetically at a barbecue joint in Texas, he even went ahead to buy lunch for the family whose spot he took. Some other people jump queues systematically by giving the person in front their money to help them pay in.

5. The Bank Door Rejectees

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Sometimes it’s the people at fault and other times the stubborn door that would not let them in. These people will always have a problem with bank doors, and before you know it they will start stripping off their belts, keys, mobile phones, umbrella, pieces of jewellery and of course, weapons if they have any.

6. The Wealthy Customers

These people can take forever in a bank with huge amounts of money, making other customers with little money wait for hours before doing their transactions. It also happens during ATM withdrawals, this kind of customer will keep withdrawing until the person behind him who probably has just N5,000 in his account would plead with him not to bankrupt the machine. Nigerians are good at bad mouthing though, ‘Oga you wan finish the money?”

7. The Slip Wasters

It’s amazing how people can make silly mistakes on slips as though they were writing JAMB. This kind of people can waste slip, they keep cancelling, tearing, squeezing and taking another one. The most difficult part is writing the amount in words, they just keep rewriting the word version of N8735 to get the most accurate spelling.

Check Out: I Can Date Your Daddy, Stop Playing With Me” – Omohtee Warns Ladies

8. The Trouble Makers

The best thing is to avoid these type because any slightest comment or contribution will aggravate their anger. They come to the bank to fight the manager and any other person that crosses their path. They are the ones who right from the entrance start lamenting about how the ATM debited them without paying, and how the bank must revert their money else they would close down the account.

9. The Waiting Thief

bank thief

If you are sensitive you will notice that not everyone that comes to the bank is a customer. Some are there to monitor customers who leave with big money and then follow them outside to steal from them. You will see them hanging around without doing any transaction, just looking around and passing information with their mobile phones to their colleagues outside even though they know it is not allowed to use your mobile phone in the banking hall.

10. The Exile Men

These set of people probably just woke up from 1999, and usually do not remember the date. They will ask you for today’s date and even after you tell them the correct date, they will ask someone else to confirm.

11. The Rest Room Users

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The only reason they come to the bank is to use the restroom not to deposit, withdraw or inquire. They would walk in majestically, pick a slip from the counter and then pretend to be filling it while trying to locate the restroom with their eyes. Once their bowels have been emptied, they squeeze the slip and head out of the bank feeling relieved and happy with themselves for a successful mission.

12. The Idle Bankers

This applies mostly to ladies that have no business in the bank and they are not thieves either. It’s either they accompanied someone to the bank, or they just came in to pass time and enjoy the chilling atmosphere. Some very idle people go to the extent of spending an hour in a bank doing the following; queue up to withdraw money from their account, join another queue after withdrawing to deposit the same money into the same account. How pathetic can they be?

13. The Meticulous Counters

NAIRA-MONEY

This group of people do not want to hear that their hard earned money was short of a note after they leave the bank, so they would take hours still on the queue, counting and confirming every single note.

14. The Questionnaires

You would find mostly teenagers and older people as human questionnaires in a bank. They would ask you about everything in the bank and where to fill in their details. The only thing left is for them to ask you to help spell their name.

15.  The Perverts

These are the rarest but most irritating people you would find in a bank. They are mostly guys and would always want to queue behind or in front of a lady (a well endowed one). Basically, their aim is to feed their eyes with boobs/butt. If possible, they would occasionally brush their hands over it and then say “sorry, it was a mistake.” How are we sure it wasn’t a mistake? It keeps happening!

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