Today we remember two mighty icons of African Music.
They shared, they sang, they inspired and they fought for their people through their music even going through life and death experiences just to get their message across to their fellowmen.
Let’s take a moment (maybe a few) to remember these legends and ponder on the legacy that they kindly left behind for us.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti { 15 October 1938 – 2 August 1997}
Our very own pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre, there are few who do not know this notable artist who entertained us with both his music and his life in general.
Fela’s music which he dubbed Afrobeat in 1967 after a trip to Ghana to get a new direction for his art was loved by many, with his witty remarks and his use of ‘Pidgin English’ for the majority of all his songs.
While his compositions were well received by the public, it's overtures of anti-military notes raised high feelings of contempt amongst the military. The release of his album "Zombie" seemed to be the the final straw to break the camel's back as not long after the album reached public ears, a raid on Fela's home was ordered by the ruling government at the time. This led to the destruction of his communal home "Kalakuta Republic" and the death of his mother.
Despite the loss of his parent and home, Fela still continued to produce music after this tragedy, right up till the early 90s, where he ceased performing and producing and not too long after that, sadly passed away . He was said to have died from been afflicted with AIDS.
His music is still well loved and appreciated by both young and old today, Here's a serving of nostalgia for you, Give it up for The Black President with his track "Shakara Oloje".
Miriam Makeba {4 March 1932 – 9 November 2008}
Nicknamed Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba is known as the first artist to make African music popular globally, even earning herself a Grammy for her collaboration with Henry Belafonte.
She was also a strong campaigner against the South African system of Apartheid, which led to the revocation of her passport and citizenship by the South African government as well as her right of return in 1963. She later returned after the Apartheid structure collapsed in 1990.
Miriam had just finished a tour in Italy with Roberto Saviano, in his stand against the local mafia-like organisation “Camorra” who were situated in Campania, when she suffered a heart attack and died not too long afterwards.
Though she became popular for her song “Pata Pata”, she had a number of hit tracks including "Welela" which was also a crowd pleaser and to which we leave you with to listen and remember this wonderful lady by. Enjoy!
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