Fela Kuti

From Bowie to Beyoncé: the gateway albums to get into the greatest artists

Keen to explore an artist’s oeuvre but overwhelmed by choice in today’s stream-heavy world? Fear not: from Joni to Fela, Madonna to Miles, our critics tell you which album to begin with

Guardian writers

19, Nov, 2022 @11:00 AM

Orlando Julius obituary

Saxophonist, singer and bandleader whose fusions of highlife and American styles helped transform Nigerian music

Robin Denselow

26, Apr, 2022 @4:50 PM

Lemi Ghariokwu, Fela Kuti’s artist: ‘He always had someone for rolling joints. It was a rockstar lifestyle’

The painter impressed Nigeria’s Afrobeat pioneer, and soon he was creating intricate record covers at Kuti’s right hand. But amid violence and disorder, their friendship soured

Nathan Evans

21, Dec, 2021 @10:00 AM

Tony Allen: A Retrospective review – sprawling tribute gets the crowd on its feet

At almost three hours, Damon Albarn, Femi Koleoso, Ben Okri and co still struggled to encapsulate the full gamut of Allen’s creativity

Ammar Kalia

14, Nov, 2021 @12:28 PM

‘Our ethos was happy music and good vibes’: genre-busting Black British band Osibisa

Jimi Hendrix watched them rehearse, Stevie Wonder joined them on drums, and Fela Kuti partied with them in Lagos. Osibisa, whose African sunshine sound captivated the planet, have now returned

Garth Cartwright

29, Apr, 2021 @7:00 AM

Tony Allen: There Is No End review | Ammar Kalia's global album of the month

More cohesive than many a posthumous release, Allen’s legacy is well-served here, especially on the more experimental tracks

Ammar Kalia

02, Apr, 2021 @8:00 AM

Different beat: how Fela Kuti’s son and grandson are modernising the dynasty

Ahead of their new album, Femi and Made Kuti reflect on the Afrobeat pioneer’s legacy, their complex family, and the problems Nigeria still faces

Kate Hutchinson

31, Jan, 2021 @12:00 PM

'The system is rigged': Seun Kuti on reviving Fela's political party

The musician and youngest son of the Afrobeat legend has been galvanised to act after police brutality in Nigeria

Emmanuel Akinwotu in Lagos

19, Jan, 2021 @5:00 AM

TV tonight: Fela Kuti and the birth of afrobeat

A new film examines the Nigerian artist’s cultural identity and legacy of rhythmical protest. Plus: The Valhalla Murders begins. Here’s what to watch this evening

Ammar Kalia, Graeme Virtue, Hannah Verdier, Hannah J Davies and Paul Howlett

21, Nov, 2020 @6:00 AM

'His drums were singing, you know?' Tony Allen remembered by his collaborators

Angelique Kidjo, Jeff Mills, Sebastien Tellier and more remember the late drummer: his humility, his brilliance, and his awesome sportswear

Interviews by Ben Beaumont-Thomas

04, May, 2020 @10:13 AM

Tony Allen obituary

Masterful drummer and co-creator of Afrobeat, the fusion of funk, jazz and African styles that he pioneered with Fela Kuti