Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid a heartfelt tribute to Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing him as a “unique figure in musical history” whose art blended music, activism, and resistance to inspire generations around the world.
In a video shared on his social media pages on Wednesday night (October 22), Obama invited music lovers to tune in to a new 12-part podcast series titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man”, produced by Higher Ground, the production company he runs with his wife, Michelle Obama.
Obama praised Fela’s brilliance in creating Afrobeat, a genre that merged funk, jazz, and soul into a powerful musical movement that became a voice against oppression.
“He is a musical genius from Nigeria who made some music that I really love, combining funk, jazz, and soul into a whole new genre called Afrobeat. It’s a beautiful show about a unique figure in musical history who mixed art with activism,” Obama said.
The podcast — which includes over 200 interviews with Fela’s family, friends, and global artists — explores his life, struggles, and influence beyond music. Featured voices include Yeni Kuti, Femi Kuti, Mádé Kuti, and international icons like Burna Boy, Paul McCartney, Questlove, and Santigold.
The producers describe Fear No Man as a journey into the soul of Afrobeat, spotlighting how Fela used his music to challenge injustice and empower people during times of political turmoil.
Obama, who appears in the debut episode “To Hell and Back,” emphasized that Fela’s music was more than rhythm — it was a weapon of change and hope.
“Music like Fela’s is able to not just keep folks moving but also makes them feel alive. Our very best art and very best music touch the soul,” Obama remarked.
The podcast also recounts Fela’s early influences, including his mother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s activism, and his transformative time in Los Angeles in 1969, where exposure to the Black Power movement shaped his Pan-Africanist worldview.
More than 25 years after his death, Fela’s legacy continues to thrive globally, influencing modern artists and movements. With Fear No Man, the Obamas aim to introduce his story to a new generation, celebrating how music can “move hearts, change minds, and heal wounds.”
