Music lovers and comic enthusiasts are in for a treat as the groundbreaking graphic novel FELA: Music Is the Weapon(HarperCollins/Amistad) created by Toronto artist Jibola Fagbamiye, the illustrator behindPromise That You Will Sing About Me: The Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar, and writer Conor McCreery, known for the Kill Shakespeare comic book series, vividly brings to life the story of Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician, political agitator, and cultural icon. With its masterful mix of historical and surreal storytelling, FELA offers readers an immersive glimpse into the inspiring and complex life of the creator of the Afrobeat music genre.
“Sex, drugs and Afrobeat,” only scratches the surface of the remarkable life of master musician Fela Kuti. After falling in love with a Black Panther, Fela’s music and his politics were radically changed, leading him to become “the most dangerous man in Nigeria.” Fela was arrested 200 times in his native Nigeria because of his activism and his music’s bold stance against military and government corruption, but he never surrendered. FELA is a visually stunning journey through the life of a man whose music still deeply influences artists across the world. Fagbamiye, a Toronto-based visual artist inspired by African history and North American pop culture, delivers bold, expressive artwork that masterfully captures the vibrancy and profundity of Fela’s life and legacy. Complementing this is McCreery’s sharp and evocative writing, a blend of wit and historical depth that channels Fela’s rebellious and deeply human spirit.
The release of FELA on October 7th coincides with a global surge in the popularity of afrobeats and African music. Today’s Grammy-winning afrobeats artists like Burna Boy, WizKid and Davido often cite Fela Kuti as a trailblazing influence, further cementing his enduring legacy among new generations of creators and listeners alike. As well, Fela’s musical legacy lives on his sons, Femi and Seun, both prolific musicians in their own right. More than a biography, FELA explores the artist’s profound impact on music, politics, and culture, presenting his vision and struggles in both historical and dreamlike dimensions.
