Lagos, Nigeria – More than a million mourners flooded the streets of Lagos in August 1997 to pay their final respects to the legendary Nigerian musician and activist, Fela Kuti. Known as the King of Afrobeat, Fela’s passing at 58 marked the end of an era for a figure revered by the masses and feared by those in power.
Fela’s manager, Rikki Stein, recounted the overwhelming scene: “The road was filled with people as far as the eye could see,” he told the BBC. Despite reports attributing Fela’s death to AIDS complications, Stein insists the real cause was the cumulative toll of physical abuse and numerous arrests inflicted by successive military regimes. “Fela died of one beating too many,” Stein stated, highlighting the scars and psychological burdens that plagued the musician.
Throughout his career, Fela used his music to criticize military rulers, with albums like “Coffin for Head of State” offering a scathing indictment of those in power. His work resonated deeply with listeners, providing both a vivid depiction of life under oppression and a vision for a better world. Stein, now 81, recalled his first encounter with Fela’s music in the 1970s, describing it as a transformative experience.
Managing Fela was an unpredictable and hectic journey, marked by moments of both intensity and camaraderie. Stein first met Fela in a London hotel in 1982, where the musician’s unique charisma and vision were immediately evident. Their friendship endured despite the challenges, with Stein accompanying Fela through many turbulent years.
Fela’s influence was unmistakable in Lagos, as illustrated by Stein’s experiences upon arrival in Nigeria. A striking moment occurred when Fela, known for his boldness, personally intervened to expedite Stein’s passage through passport control. “Fela drove us off. He was a great driver but, man, he drove fast, much as he lived his life,” Stein reminisced.
Fela’s dynamic performances were legendary, and Stein never tired of witnessing them. One of the most bizarre shows occurred in 1984 in London, involving Fela’s mystical guru, Professor Hindu, and a staged death and resurrection, adding to the mythos surrounding the musician.
In 1984, Fela was imprisoned by Nigerian authorities under the pretext of undeclared funds, but Stein believes the true motive was to silence his outspoken criticism. The arrest backfired, sparking global outrage and amplifying Fela’s influence. Amnesty International declared him a prisoner of conscience, and his music gained even more traction worldwide.
Reflecting on their time together, Stein expressed deep admiration for Fela’s energy, bravery, and philosophical outlook. “People used to say to me: ‘Wow, it can’t be easy managing Fela.’ But we were friends. You can say anything to a real friend, so we never had a problem,” Stein explained.
When Fela’s health declined in 1997, Stein immediately flew to Lagos upon hearing of his friend’s passing. Fela was laid in state on August 11 in Tafawa Balewa Square, with a poignant sax solo played by his son, Femi, marking the occasion. “A gentle rain fell like perfume. During those days, no crime took place in Lagos,” Stein recalled, underscoring the profound impact Fela had on his city and its people.
