Barack Obama celebrates Fela Kuti as a musical genius

 Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid glowing tribute to legendary Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti in a newly released podcast series titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man.”

The series, produced by Higher Ground, the media company owned by Barack and Michelle Obama, explores the life, music, and activism of the late icon.

In a video clip shared on his official Instagram page, Obama described Fela as “a musical genius from Nigeria,” praising his unmatched creativity and fearless political expression.

The former president noted that Fela’s music had deeply personal significance to him, calling the Afrobeat creator “a unique figure in musical history who made music that I really love.”

The podcast aims to celebrate global figures who used art as a tool for resistance and social change, with Fela standing as a central example of courage and creativity.

Fela’s global impact and political activism

Fela Kuti, who passed away in 1997, remains one of Africa’s most influential musicians and outspoken critics of military rule and corruption.

Through his revolutionary Afrobeat sound, he challenged injustice, government oppression, and societal complacency.

Obama’s tribute reinforces how Fela’s message continues to inspire movements for freedom and reform worldwide.