Musician and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti created Afrobeat, the infectious fusion of American funk and jazz with traditional Yoruba and highlife music. Through politically-charged lyrics, electrifying stage performances, and his counter-culture lifestyle, Fela preached against social injustice and corruption. Troubled by the political and economic corruption of Nigeria and the repressive governments of sub-Saharan Africa, Fela built a commune called the Kalakuta Republic, which he declared immune from Nigerian law, and created his own political party. At the height of his popularity in the mid-1970s, Fela took to calling himself the "Black President." Fela's status as a pan-African icon has continued to grow. Black President is a critical multimedia exploration of the influence and artistic legacy of Fela.

In United States in 1969, Fela was introduced to the Black Power movement and to the teachings of such influential thinkers as Malcolm X and Angela Davis. Inspired by this trip, Fela created Afrobeat, combining a hard-edge and unyielding political content with a masterful orchestration of African percussive systems and his signature saxophone sound.

Fela lived and produced his music under persistent state persecution. His criticism of state corruption and repression led to several raids on his commune-the Kalakuta Republic-and to numerous detentions and jail terms.

FELA is the Black President every country needs, some one who will stand up against injustice and put their lives on the line of battle with others.

Our endless Love and Respects go to the only Black President Fela Kuti.

Listen Crew diggin’ deep in the Roger Steffens Archives: This design shows Fela speaking against the slavery and oppression in Africa, a gradient color design from green to purple with the name FELA outline printed green across the top.

Price:$26.00