Fela 1997 Deaths

Fela

Nigeria's best-known musician used his music, which combined elements of rock, funk, jazz and traditional African music, to criticize his country's military regime and corruption. His outspoken opposition to the government came to a head in 1977 when 1,000 soldiers bombarded his home, burning it to the ground. Fela was badly beaten, and his mother thrown from her bedroom window. She died a year later from injuries sustained in the fall. From that point on, Fela remained a bitter enemy of Nigeria's government. His recordings include “M.A.S.S.” (Music Against Second Slavery), “B.B.C.” (Big Blind Country) and “V.I.P.” (Vagabonds in Power).