Fela Kuti
Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and bandleader who created Afrobeat in late 1960s Lagos. Born in Abeokuta in 1938 into a family of activists—his mother Funmilayo led anti-colonial protests, his father ran the Nigeria Union of Teachers. Studied composition at Trinity College of Music in London starting in 1958, absorbed hard bop and jazz in Soho clubs. Met Sandra Izsadore in Los Angeles in 1969, where she introduced him to Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Black Power politics that transformed his music and worldview. Returned to Lagos, renamed his band Africa '70, and opened the Afrika Shrine where he performed the "Underground Spiritual Game"—marathon shows that lasted until dawn, extended songs that might run forty minutes while he preached about colonialism and corruption. Arrested over 200 times. Served 18 months in prison on false currency charges before being unconditionally released when the judge who sentenced him came to beg forgiveness. Married 27 women in a single ceremony in 1978. Ran for president in 1983 but was refused candidacy. Died of AIDS-related complications in 1997, though he publicly denied the disease existed. Over a million people attended his funeral in Lagos.