23rd August, 2023
By Victoria Oluwayemi
Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste, Burna Boy has shared his thoughts on the enduring legacy of the iconic afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti.
Speaking in a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe in New York, Burna Boy expressed his belief that Fela’s impact might have faced a different reception if he were alive and active in the contemporary times.
The singer, whose music sometimes also addresses social and political issues, suggested that the societal landscape of today is marked by shallowness, ignorance, and a lack of spiritual depth. Burna Boy suggested that if Fela were to emerge as an artiste in the present era, his messages and activism might not be receptive due to what he described as the prevailing dominance of superficiality and instant gratification.
Burna Boy acknowledged the enduring relevance of the themes Fela tackled during his lifetime, but noted that the amplification of such issues through modern communication channels could have led to heightened criticism and opposition from segments of society. He posited that individuals who now celebrate Fela might have reacted differently to his messages if they were disseminated in today’s fast-paced and often contentious digital environment.
Highlighting the significance of Fela’s era, Burna Boy expressed gratitude that the afrobeat pioneer existed during a time that allowed him to authentically convey his messages and artistic expressions. He suggested that the unique circumstances of that era contributed to the organic nature of Fela’s work and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.