Barack Obama, the former United States president, has honoured Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti with a new podcast chronicling his life, music, and legacy.
Obama announced the release of the 12-part series titled ‘Fela Kuti: Fear No Man’ in a video shared on his Instagram page.The podcast, produced by Higher Ground — the media company founded by Obama and his wife Michelle — explores the Afrobeat legend’s influence on global music and his bold activism against oppression.
The former president said the podcast delves into the Afrobeat icon’s revolutionary spirit and enduring legacy. Obama described Fela has a musical genius and urged fans to listen to the podcast series.
“I want to be the first to tell you about the next podcast from Higher Ground that just came out. It’s about the legendary Fela Kuti,” he said.
“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 missed art with activism. So check out Fela Kuti: Fear No Man on audible and wherever you get your podcasts.”
The first two episodes — ‘To Hell and Back’ and ‘Becoming Fela’ — were released on October 15, coinciding with Felabration, the annual global celebration of Fela’s legacy held from October 13 to 19.
Hosted by Jad Abumrad, the podcast traces Fela’s musical evolution, his fight against injustice, and the social movements his art inspired across Africa and beyond.
In ‘To Hell and Back’, Obama reflected on Fela’s enduring power to move and motivate people through sound.
“Music like Fela’s can get folks moving, getting them on their feet, and making them feel alive. Our very best art and our very best music stir the soul,” he said.
The project features a mix of recent and archival interviews with prominent figures in the global arts scene, including Ayo Edebiri, Santigold, Questlove, Paul McCartney, David Byrne, and Burna Boy.
It also includes contributions from members of the Kuti family — Yeni, Femi, and Mádé — who share personal reflections on the Afrobeat legend’s life, music, and enduring legacy.
