These are some Nigerian songs that were inspired by Fela Kuti
We present you with a throwback that riffs on Fela’s legacy and influence in light of his nomination with other renowned musical greats including Tina Turner, Carole King, Dionne Warwick, Rage Against the Machine, Foo Fighters, and others.
Fela, the man and the musical legend, continues to ignite a creative flame in the hearts of Nigerians both supporters and detractors who no matter what they do cannot resist his jazz-inspired, strong sound.
Some Nigerian songs that were inspired by Fela Kuti
Burna Boy – Ye
Burna Boy, an African giant, has never been secretive about his love and respect for Fela Kuti.
Burna Boy has always had great things to say about the older artist because of his musically diverse upbringing and the fact that his grandfather, Benson Idonije, served as Fela’s first band manager. It is therefore not surprising to find references to Abami Eda throughout Burna’s repertoire.
Burna Boy has channelled Fela Kuti from “Soke” to “Another Story”: the charm, the courage to speak truth to power, and the ability to keep enough groove for the listener’s body to move.
Oritse Femi – Double Wahala
Oritse Femi had a succession of popular singles before 2013, including “Flog Politician” and “Mercies of the Lord,” but he would concede that “Double Wahala,” his cover of (and homage to) Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s “Confusion Break Bone,” was what finally got him out of the shadowy corners of the underground.
The song “Double Wahala” by Oritse Femi is a superb depiction of ordinary life in Nigeria and the aspiration of every Nigerian woman to lead a prosperous life as she grows older.
Wizkid – Jaiye Jaiye ft Femi Kuti
In Nigerian slang, “Jaiye Jaiye” had the proper amount of oomph that Wizkid needed to “ginger” his fans who had been clamouring for a project since his 2011 debut Superstar.
It was released as the lead single off his second studio album Ayo (2014).
The late singer’s eldest son and Grammy-nominated performer Femi Kuti appeared on the upbeat sample of “Lady” called “Jaiye Jaiye.”
Skales – Temper (Remix) feat. Burna Boy
The original version of Skales’ ‘Temper’ was an okay song, it possessed an infectious beat on which the singer layered the ubiquitous Baby let’s have a good timeline.
A safe yet effective approach after all.
Whatever prompted Skales to tap Burna Boy for the remix deserves a hat tip. Not only did Burna Boy enrich the song, but he also took control of the wheel and steered the song in a new direction.