Fela Anikulapo Kuti was one of the most acerbic critics of the Nigerian government. His songs contain deep "in-your-face" lyrics which not only challenge Africans to go back to their roots, but also preaches Pan-Africanism, as well as challenges the connivance of the West in the underdevelopment of Africa. He was a man of the people, well read and intelligent, and came from a line of pioneer nationalists who played seminal roles in the struggle for Nigeria's independence.

In the 80's Fela believed that he could be the president of Nigeria and formed a party "Movement of the People" in order to achieve this goal. The military government refused to register his party.

1) Do you think Fela could make a good president?

2) If Fela was alive today, what do you think his comments would be on Nigeria's current political situation?

i was a kid, when Fela reigned, but i know he was phenomenal and an inspiration to all, long live the king!!!

Yes o! Long Live Abami! Perhaps it would be a good thing if some of his ideology lived long amongst us

Fela was a great person and hoble person.

No one can tell what Fela could have done about the policitis of now. he is honest, truthful person. i wish he was life to see how this bad politician have corrupt this country.

I could think of a lot of more qualified Yorubas to run Nigeria. As far as I am concerned, musicians tend to be dumber than average. No point taking risk with people of music. What Nigeria needs is someone with a masters in Political science and Economics. The morons (Military men, Business men e.t.c.) have had their chance.

Afeni, errrm, do you know who Fela was, or what he preached? [raises one eyebrow]

I know who he was, and what he preached.

In fact, I even read a lenghty biography on him today morning. Of course, I knew 90 percent of what was said about him before hand, but I found some new information. I still stand by my previous views. Military men are meant to fight wars. Musicians are meant to make music. Political scientist and to a lesser extent, economics are meant to reside in the halls of power.

Pray tell, what do the great presidents of the world have their degrees in? Seriously speaking though, I do not think that ordinarily bagging a degree in political science or economics qualifies a person to walk the corridors of power. There is a difference between book knowledge and practical ingenuity, or if you like, application of theory. Plus, Afeni, I trust that you have too enlightened a mind than to be dismissive about a persons ability just because of their chosen profession. While pretending that you did not make that [shallow] comment about musicians being dumber than average [fyi Fela was more than a musician], let us remember that Ronald Regan was an actor. I personally believe that Fela, while perhaps not the most ideal candidate for president, would have made a much better leader than any of the military idiots we have had so far.

In any case, since Fela could not possibly be president (he is dead, as you know) it would seem that what we should really be talking about are his ideologies and how relevant they are to our progress as a people, nation, continent, etc. Since you just finished a biography on the icon, why dont you kick off the discussion by stating one of his political ideas so that we can evaluate the relevance of such ideas to contemporary Africa.

Word alarinjo

Can I vote!?!?!?

Really, tho, it is very difficult to say. Fela was Pan Africanist and he would have sought allies and forged relationships thru out the Black World, but who can say that he woul have been politically asute enough to deal with the colonial powers? Would he even have allowed the oil to be developed by foreign corporations?

An interesting question, but a great many outstanding things would have had had to happen for his party to even be registered and who knows what kind of fantastic things would have happened form there,

One can only say that it was not ment to be because he was in contact with the Orishas but, but, but he did not attain what we are speaking of now, so it really comes down to us from my analysis. And not just for Nigeria, but Global Afrika.

What is important, i feel, is that we keep Fela's wisdom close to our hearts, but also listen veryclosely to what people like Afeni have said. Practical ingenuity is good, but you have to know what are the fundamental forces and methodologies that shape and mold modern societies are: political science, economics, sociology, and engineering, to name some of the principles.

It may be best that we push ourselves with diligent study, rememberance of who we are, and a constant ear to the streets in order to be the leaders that Fela would want us to be. Infiltrate the institutions, don't let them infiltrate you.

Center of the World, AFRIKA!!!

Baba 70 Fela was a good man and an inspirational figure to many people all over Africa. I knew and went to shrine routinly but he was a musician and not a leader, Fela could not rule Nigerian there are lots of hidden responsibilities that is bestowed on a leader.