New Coffee Table Book, Fela Kuti – 100 Songs 100 Messages By Kola Adefope, Shares The Power And Legacy Of A Musical Legend

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Kola Adefope’s visually stunning coffee table book, Fela Kuti – 100 Songs 100 Messages, is a passionate tribute that delves into the profound social messages and African unity advocacy within the legendary musician’s work.

Fela Kuti – 100 Songs 100 Messages

In the vibrant pages of Fela Kuti 100 Songs 100 Messages, a stunning full-color coffee table book, readers are invited to embark on a musical odyssey through the life and legacy of Nigeria’s iconic Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. Authored by Kola Adefope—a medical doctor, world music promoter, and lifelong devotee of Kuti’s work—this 100-page masterpiece celebrates the genius of a man whose bold rhythms and fearless lyrics transcended entertainment to become a revolutionary force for social change.

The Birth of Afrobeat and a Voice for the Voiceless

Born on October 15, 1938, Fela Kuti was more than a musician—he was a cultural architect who fused West African rhythms with jazz and funk to create Afrobeat, a genre defined by its pulsating polyrhythmic beats. But Kuti’s innovation went beyond sound. He wielded music as a megaphone for political, social, cultural, and philosophical messages, railing against corruption, oppression, and human rights abuses in Nigeria. His songs were anthems of resistance, targeting the Nigerian government, military, and police, as well as broader evils like colonialism, neocolonialism, and South African apartheid.

Kuti’s activism wasn’t limited to critique. He championed Pan-African ideals—pride, unity, development, and progress—while encouraging a deep appreciation for African history, traditions, and beliefs. Though he’s best known for his political fire, Adefope reveals that nearly 60% of Kuti’s songs explore broader themes of human behavior, society, and philosophy, offering a richer portrait of the artist than many might expect.

A Legacy Forged in Courage

Fela Kuti’s courage came at a cost. His unrelenting criticism of Nigeria’s ruling elite made him a target, earning him brutal assaults and repeated imprisonments at the hands of the military and political leaders. Yet, far from silencing him, these attacks only amplified his voice. His defiance turned him into a folk hero in Nigeria and a global legend whose influence continues to reverberate decades after his death on August 2, 1997.

Adefope’s book captures this duality: a man adored by millions yet persecuted by those in power. Through meticulous research and a collector’s passion, the author showcases how Kuti’s music became a lifeline for the oppressed and a soundtrack for resistance across Africa and beyond.

100 Songs, 100 Messages

At the heart of the book lies its exploration of 100 of Kuti’s most impactful compositions. From his early days with the Koola Lobitos to his later work with Nigeria 70, Africa 70, and Egypt 80, Kuti’s prolific career saw him master vocals, trumpet, saxophone, and keyboards while collaborating with a roster of exceptional musicians. Each song in this collection is a window into his mind—a blend of infectious rhythms and incisive commentary that remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.

Whether exposing governmental corruption or celebrating African identity, Kuti’s work resonates with a timeless urgency. Adefope’s fresh perspective highlights not just the music but the messages, making this book an essential resource for music historians, cultural scholars, and Afrobeat enthusiasts alike.

Fela Kuti’s influence shows no signs of fading. Afrobeat’s popularity is surging worldwide, with new groups forming in countries far beyond Nigeria’s borders. His compositions continue to inspire artists and activists, proving that his revolutionary spirit endures. For longtime fans, 100 Songs 100 Messages is a tribute to a beloved icon; for newcomers, it’s an invitation to discover one of Africa’s most transformative figures.

A Coffee Table Treasure

More than just a book, Fela Kuti 100 Songs 100 Messages is a visual and intellectual feast. Its full-color design and coffee table format make it a striking addition to any collection, while its content offers a profound journey through the life of a musical genius. Kola Adefope has crafted a fitting homage to Kuti—one that celebrates his artistry, honors his activism, and ensures his legacy endures for generations to come.

Whether you’re drawn by the beats or the battles, this book promises to deepen your understanding of Fela Kuti’s extraordinary impact. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to explore the sound and soul of a true revolutionary.

Kola Adefope

There are various reasons for deciding to write this book. Firstly, I wanted to bring together, in one publication, Fela Kuti’s extensive song catalogue. While many people are ardent followers of his music, few have knowledge of his full song repertoire. The book can serve as a reference or guide for his longstanding fans to explore the songs they might not know of or be familiar with. Additionally, it can be a valuable resource for new fans in discovering his numerous great recordings.

Secondly, I felt that it was necessary to explore, briefly and concisely, the core message in each of the 100 songs. This can assist in focusing a person’s mind when listening to a song. It can also inspire curiosity to listen to a song after reading what the message being delivered in it is.

Thirdly, and in relation to the second reason, there are many Fela fans who are not familiar with or understand the songs he sang in Pidgin English (an amalgamation of English and local Nigerian dialects) or in Yoruba. The book aims to help in bringing a clearer understanding of the messages in the songs.

One day as a 12 year old boy, I was walking past a record store when I became totally transfixed by the mesmerising sounds blasting into the atmosphere. I had never heard anything so dynamic, intense and powerful before and went in to find out what was playing. It was the music of Fela Kuti. That moment was the beginning of a lifelong love for the supreme and unique rhythms of Fela’s Afrobeat.

Now, decades later, the music is still as fresh and stunning to my ears as it was then. It is a joy to hear every time.

In various guises as a mental health medical doctor in the NHS, an avid collector of music from different cultures, occasional DJ and a world music concert promoter at the Royal Festival and Queen Elizabeth Halls in London, music has always played a central role in the journey of life.

Whether sharing or promoting such great artists as the legendary South African Miriam Makeba, the Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain, the queen of Algerian Rai music Cheikha Rimitti, the Iranian classical music diva Parisa and the Spanish flamenco guitar genius Vicente Amigo, or immersed in its spiritual energy, music is always close by. Fela Kuti’s sounds and rhythms have made a hugely significant contribution to the journey of my life.

-Kola Adefope

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