Fela Kuti (1938–1997) was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, composer, and political activist who pioneered the Afrobeat genre—a fusion of jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional African rhythms. Born into a politically active family, he studied music in London before returning to Nigeria, where he formed the band Africa '70. Kuti's music was deeply intertwined with his activism, critiquing corruption and military rule in Nigeria. His fearless expression led to frequent confrontations with authorities, including arrests and raids. Despite these challenges, Kuti released over 50 albums, leaving an indelible mark on global music and inspiring generations of artists. ([britannica.com](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fela-Kuti?utm_source=openai))