Former U.S. President Barack Obama has announced a new audio series paying tribute to Nigerian musician and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a pioneer of Afrobeat and a figure of cultural and political significance. (The Guardian Nigeria)
The podcast, titled Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, is being produced by Higher Ground — the production company founded by Obama and his wife Michelle. It is a 12-episode series that explores Fela’s life, musical innovation, activism, and legacy. (GQ)
Obama introduced the project via a short video posted on his Instagram page, describing Fela as “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.” (The Guardian Nigeria)
The first two episodes—“To Hell and Back” and “Becoming Fela”—were released in mid-October to coincide with Felabration, the annual celebration of Fela’s legacy. (The Guardian Nigeria)
The series features archival interviews, commentary from global music figures like Burna Boy, Paul McCartney and Santigold, as well as voices from Fela’s own family—his children and grandson. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Why it matters
Cultural recognition: The project offers a major international platform for Afrobeat and its Nigerian originator, signalling growing global recognition of African popular culture.
Music meets activism: Fela’s work sits at the intersection of art and political resistance—his music was deeply tied to social commentary and activism, which the podcast aims to highlight.
Media and African storytelling: Higher Ground’s choice to produce a deep-dive podcast about an African figure indicates increased willingness in global media to turn the spotlight on non-Western cultural icons.
Nigeria’s soft power: Nigeria’s cultural exports (music, film, fashion) gain credibility when global figures endorse them; this podcast could elevate Fela’s legacy and Afrobeat’s reach further.
Challenges & context
The podcast must strike a balance between reverent tribute and critical analysis; Fela’s life included controversies, complex politics, and personal contradictions.
Accessing and presenting archival material, family interviews and diverse perspectives is demanding—quality will be judged on depth and authenticity.
While the series aims for a broad audience, ensuring Nigerian and African voices remain central (not just as subjects but narrators) will be important for authenticity.
The marketing and reach of the podcast will determine its impact—many high-profile audio projects falter if discoverability is weak or if they don’t engage local audiences effectively.
