By Abayomi Odunowo.
Forty-three years ago, Fela Anikulapo Kuti unleashed a musical tempest with his iconic album "Coffin for Head of State." In 1981, Nigeria was embroiled in a web of corruption, oppression, and mismanagement—issues that have continued to plague the nation even today. The Nigerian populace endured successive military regimes, marked by human rights abuses, rampant corruption, and a general disillusionment with leadership. The same grievances that stirred public outcry in the 1980s echo in the streets of contemporary Nigeria, as citizens grapple with the harsh realities of leadership that seems reluctant to change. The normalization of poor governance has led to shattered dreams and a rife sense of helplessness among the people, igniting a similar fire of resistance that Fela so poignantly expressed.
The sentiment that "nothing ever changes" in Nigeria is not a hyperbole, but rather, a grim reality that fuels the continuous cycle of anger and activism. The report of a past we cannot escape reverberates in present complaints about corrupt political elites, police brutality, and an economy that serves the few at the expense of the many. Fela’s haunting lyrics serve as a visceral reminder that these battles may appear never-ending, yet they inspire a flicker of hope: the struggle for liberation and justice persists.
Fela's music serves not just as entertainment but as a piercing critique of the heart of Nigerian society. Drawing inspiration from personal tragedy, particularly the loss of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Fela articulated the anger and despair that many Nigerians felt. The 1977 raid on his compound, the Kalakuta Republic, was not just a personal affront; it symbolized a broader national catastrophe—a government disconnected from the needs and rights of its citizens, ready to annihilate anyone daring to challenge its authority.
When Fela paraded a coffin to the Dodan Barracks, he eloquently conveyed the message that the militarized state apparatus, personified by that coffin, was at odds with the very essence of life, rights, and democracy. This bold gesture was a call to action; it compelled the populace to confront the stark reality of their governance. Four decades later, in an era marked by protests against police brutality and demands for good governance, Fela's prophetic words resonate louder than ever. Just as Fela utilized a coffin to symbolize death in the face of oppressive forces, today's activists draw parallels between his message and their experiences of systemic abuse.
The release of "Coffin for Head of State" intensified governmental repression against Fela, as it exposed the frailty and malfeasance of those in power. Yet, instead of suffocating his voice, it revitalized a movement. The public outcry ignited by Fela’s lyrics inspired a generation to take up the mantle of resistance. His music transcended cultural boundaries, reshaping global perspectives on African governance and human rights, and earning him a place among the most recognized voices of freedom.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti remains a beacon of hope, illustrating how an individual can challenge the status quo through art. The enduring relevance of "Coffin for Head of State" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. Today, as Nigeria’s youth march for change, demanding accountability and dignity, Fela’s legacy inspires them to challenge the foundations of systemic corruption with courage and creativity.
The crux of the matter remains: while the problems may appear cyclical and inescapable, art, like Fela’s, can catalyze change. It can unite the fractured voices of a populace ready to claim their power. The echoes of Fela's song serve as both a reminder and a rallying cry—an affirmation that the fight against injustice may be arduous but is eternally worthy. In a world still rife with oppression, his music continues to resonate, sparking hope and igniting a desire for transformation in the hearts of millions.
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