Okay News reports that former United States President, Barack Obama, has paid glowing tribute to the late Nigerian Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing him as a “musical genius” who blended art with activism to create a global sound that continues to inspire generations.
Obama made the remarks in a video posted on his social media page on Wednesday night while unveiling a new podcast series dedicated to Fela’s life and legacy. The podcast, titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,” is a 12-episode production under Higher Ground, a media company co-owned by Barack and Michelle Obama.
In his announcement, the former president said, “You may have heard our documentary podcast last year about Stevie Wonder called The Wonder of Stevie. Well, I want to be the first to tell you about the next podcast from Higher Ground that just came out. It’s about the legendary Fela Kuti.”
He continued, “He is a musical genius from Nigeria who made some music that I really love, combining funk, jazz, and soul into a whole new genre called Afrobeat. It’s a beautiful show about a unique figure in musical history who mixed art with activism.”
According to the producers, the podcast is currently in its fourth episode and explores the revolutionary journey of Fela Kuti, tracing his transformation from an 8-year-old witnessing his mother’s activism to becoming a Pan-African freedom fighter and global music icon.
The series also revisits Fela’s 1969 experience in Los Angeles, where his exposure to the Black Power movement reshaped his artistic vision and political consciousness.
In the debut episode titled “To Hell and Back,” Obama joined other prominent figures in celebrating Fela’s influence, noting that his music had the power to “move hearts, change minds, and heal the deepest wounds.” He added, “Music like Fela’s is able to not just keep folks moving but also makes them feel alive; our very best art and very best music touch the soul.”
Producers revealed that Fear No Man draws from over 200 interviews with family, friends, and public figures such as Burna Boy, Paul McCartney, Questlove, and Santigold. The podcast also features members of the Kuti family, including Yeni, Femi, and Mádé Kuti, offering intimate insights into the man behind the music.
According to the production team, the series “journeys deep into the soul of Afrobeat to explore the transformative power of art and the role artists can play in times of global unrest.”
