Popular Nigerian songs inspired by Fela Anikulapo Kuti: Many Nigerian musicians look forward to and strive to be like Fela Anikulapo Kuti; even decades after his passing, many musicians continue to do so.
Fela, the man and the musical legend, continues to inspire a creative flame in the hearts of Nigerians—both supporters and detractors—who no matter what they do cannot resist his jazz-inspired, strong sound/songs.
Contemporary Nigerian artists who were either not yet born or just youngsters when Fela became an ancestor still carry the creative spark. These musicians have used the Afrobeat genre as a platform from which to express their anxieties, annoyances, and joys.
Double Wahala – Oritse Femi
Oritse Femi had a succession of popular singles before 2013, including “Flog Politician” and “Mercies of the Lord,” but he would concede that it was “Double Wahala,” his cover of (and ode to) Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s “Confusion Break Bone,” that finally got him out of the shadowy corners of the underground.
The song “Double Wahala” by Oritse Femi is a superb depiction of the mundane nature of Nigerian existence and the aspiration of every Nigerian to lead a prosperous life when she grows up.
In addition to being nominated for Video of the Year and Most Popular Song of the Year at the 2014 City People Entertainment Awards, “Double Wahala” also won the latter. During the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, he also took home the Indigenous Artist of the Year trophy.
Ye – Burna Boy
Burna Boy, aka African giant, has never been secretive about his love and respect for Fela Kuti. Burna Boy has always had great things to say about the older artist because of his musically diverse upbringing and the fact that his grandfather, Benson Idonije, served as Fela’s first band manager. It is therefore not surprising to find references to Abami Eda throughout Burna’s repertoire.
Burna Boy has channeled Fela Kuti on songs like “Soke” and “Another Story,” emulating his charisma and his courage in speaking truth to power while yet maintaining a groove that allows listeners to move their bodies to the music.
But the most potent track is “Ye,” Burna Boy’s international hit single. The song highlights the average Nigerian’s love for life when protest should suffice. Powered by a stroke of luck, ‘Ye’ has gone on become a fan favourite that even Rihanna jams to.
49-99 – Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage included the phrase “49 sitting, 99 standing” from Fela Kuti’s “Shuffering and Shmiling” in the title of one of her songs, which she titled 49-99.
Tiwa Savage blazes through the song, bragging about her never-ending hustling and the level of accomplishment she has worked so hard to acquire. It is reasonable to assume that there will be more given the assurance she exudes.
Jaiya Jaiye ft Femi Kuti – Wizkid
In Nigerian slang, “Jaiye Jaiye” had the proper amount of oomph that Wizkid needed to “ginger” his fans.
Fela’s eldest son and Grammy-nominated musician Femi Kuti was featured on the bouncy sample of his song “Lady” called “Jaiye Jaiye,” which features sunny saxophone blasts from Kuti.
Wizkid uses Fela’s lyrics about a woman’s irritation at being referred to as Woman rather than Lady in the song. With “Jaiye Jaiye,” Wizkid began what would eventually turn into a significant career upswing.
Temper (Remix) ft Burna Boy – Skales
Skales’ “Temper” in its original form was a passable tune. It had a catchy beat, which the singer overlaid with the well-known chorus from Baby Let’s Have a Good Time. Ultimately, a secure yet efficient strategy.
Kudos to Skales for choosing Burna Boy for the remix, whatever the reason may have been. Burna Boy not only improved the tune; he also took the wheel and changed the course of the song. aspiring to romantic. He quoted passages from “Sorrow, Tears, and Blood” by Fela Kuti.
Unlike the original version, the remix gave both artists the chance to reflect on their modest origins and the distance their careers had traveled.
