By Japhet Alakam

The memories and life of late Afrobeat music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti came alive last week when friends , family members and followers of the revolutionary social crusader gathered at Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island for the public presentation of a new book about him entitled Kalakuta Diaries written by a friend and former personal aid to Fela, Uwa Erhabor.

The launch of the book which can be described as a personal narrative of events and characters that propelled and defined an African socio-political setting in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria was graced by many notable Nigerians among whom were; Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi who chaired the occasion, Fela’s long standing lawyer, Femi Falana, Human Rights Activists,Yinka Odumakin, Keith Richards, MD of Cowbell, Mrs Bose Kuti and Fela’s sons Kunle and Seun.

In his opening remarks, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi who described himself as Fela’s earliest musical soul mate said that he was  extremely honoured to chair the event. He recounted his long standing relationship with Fela which dates back to the secondary school days down to when they left for academic studies in London.

He narrated the series of encounters he had with Fela during their secondary school days and pointed out that it was impossible to have lived in the 50s, 60s and 70s without being infected by Felaism. “The life as a school boy then without Fela was not complete” He said.

Continuing, the famous art patron also told the audience how Fela entertained them with his Koola Labito band at Pancreas Hall. Recounting that he used to play as a Jazz trumpeter at Maharani hall, He explained that it was his mother who challenged him to play his own music instead of playing the Oyibo music.

He also narrated how Fela fought many battles  till the time he fell ill and later died and described the late Afrobeat King as an important individual that one can not do away with.

According to him, “Fela was a great mind, a wonderful human being, who made great impact on all who knew him. We must thank the author for doing a great job that will help us remember Fela today.”

Falana, who was Fela’s lawyer in his characteristic way bemoaned  the current political realities in Nigeria where corruption is highly celebrated  and argued that these are most of the things that Fela spoke against when he was alive and they called him a madman.

He mentioned one of Fela’s song Authority Stealing recorded in 1988 which captures the essence of the current state of corruption in the land. According to him, Fela was talking about the celebrated pen robbers that stole millions then as against the armed robbers that stole hundreds.

Voice from beyond

He described Fela as a prophet, and stated that even from the grave Fela’s voice still echoes to impact on current issues. Finally, he praised the author for bringing the tangible book on Fela at this time, adding that Fela was a big donation from the Kuti family to the African project.

Yinka Odumakin on his part praised the Kuti’s family for being a valuable asset to the country. Recounting how he saw Seun perform Fela’s Sorrow, tears and blood very well at age six and how he has been doing now, he said, “Fela has done his duty for generation’s yet unborn.”

Keith Richards, the Managing  Director of Cowbell who was the Chief launcher described the late Afro beat king as the real role model for people. Richards  pointed out that Fela was one of the three peoples he regretted not meeting during their life time. “I never met Fela for one day, I lived in Nigeria for years but I regret not having met him when he was alive.” He added.