Explore a universe of sound crafted for modern listeners.

Episode 1 November 12, 2025

8: Zombie

In January, 1976, Fela drops his most fiery, confrontational song – “Zombie” is a blistering attack on the army, soldiers, and everyone who “just follows orders” to protect those in power. The song inspires ordinary Nigerians to stand up against tyra...

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Episode 2 November 12, 2025

7: Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense

As Fela’s campaign against the state begins to take form, three young lieutenants rise up to lead his political charge.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Episode 3 November 5, 2025

6: The Queens

According to some, the key to Afrobeat was its women. And one of the keys to understanding this “very complicated” man is how Fela both liberated and oppressed the women closest to him, depending on who you ask. Audio clip of Ayo Edebiri courtes...

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Episode 4 October 29, 2025

5: Trickster Makes the World

Fela was known almost as much for his hijinx as he was for his music. He took aim at the powers-that-be and, over and over, paid for it in blood. And yet, every provocation served as creative inspiration. Audio clip of Konkombe courtesy Harcourt...

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Episode 5 October 22, 2025

4: Vengeance of the Vagina Head

Origin story part 2. The “ideological genealogy” of Fela’s revolution actually extends back farther than 1969. Fela’s began twenty years earlier, when he was an 8 year old boy watching his mom make history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...

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Episode 6 October 22, 2025

3: Enter the Shrine

Fela’s club, The Shrine, was an oasis of freedom amidst a brutal dictatorship. Once inside – and on the dancefloor – the music intoxicated, enraptured and, ultimately, inspired resistance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California...

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Episode 7 October 15, 2025

2: Becoming Fela

Every superhero – and superstar – has an origin story. For Fela, it happened in 1969 Los Angeles, where a potent mix of music and politics turned a “missionary boy” into a Pan-Africanist freedom fighter and ignited a musical firestorm.Voice of Americ...

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Episode 8 October 15, 2025

1: To Hell and Back

Fela’s music had the power to move hearts, change minds, and in the case of one man, heal the deepest wounds. Audio clip of Ayo Edebiri courtesy of Sundance Institute. Used by Permission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...

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Episode 9 October 7, 2025

Introducing Fela Kuti: Fear No Man

Follow Fela Kuti: Fear No Man on Audible or wherever you get your podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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