Fela Kuti: Fear No Man – The Higher Ground Podcast Exploring Afrobeat and Activism

The media company Higher Ground, established by Barack and Michelle Obama, has unveiled a significant new audio project: the twelve-episode podcast series titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man.” This comprehensive series delves into the life and revolutionary sound of the legendary Nigerian artist. The premiere took place exclusively on Audible on October 15, with availability expanding to other major streaming platforms starting October 22.

Barack Obama personally introduced the series, describing Fela Kuti as a “musical genius, whose creativity cannot be separated from his civic stance.” The podcast meticulously traces the evolution of the Nigerian musician and creator of Afrobeat, charting his path from early jazz influences to his transformation into a staunch Pan-Africanist following his pivotal experience in the United States in 1969.

Achieving this deep dive into Kuti’s complex life required extensive research, drawing upon more than 200 sources. The resulting sound design is complex and immersive, expertly weaving together documentary chronicles with detailed musicological analysis. The series features contributions from an impressive roster of global artists and key figures, including members of the Kuti family, the acclaimed musician Burna Boy, and Sir Paul McCartney.

The narrative explores how Afrobeat transcended mere musical genre to become a powerful form of resistance—a sonic manifesto aimed squarely at combating colonialism and endemic corruption across the continent. This timely release coincides with the 25th anniversary of Felabration, the annual festival held in Lagos dedicated to honoring the musician’s enduring legacy.

Fela Kuti (1938–1997) was much more than a composer; he served as a prophet of societal change. His activist spirit was inherited directly from his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a prominent fighter for women's rights. Kuti channeled this fighting spirit into his music, effectively transforming it into a “battering ram against the state.” His signature 12-minute musical sermons became anthems for freedom and defiance.

Kuti’s commitment to his ideals was absolute. Even the violent destruction of his utopian commune, the Kalakuta Republic, failed to derail his mission or silence his political voice. His dedication to social transformation is perhaps best summarized by his grandson, Made Kuti, who states: “He went all out to change people’s minds through music. And he did it.”

The podcast was co-created with Jad Abumrad, known for his work on Radiolab. Far from being a simple historical recounting, the series functions as a profound sonic meditation on the courage required to embody Truth and stand fearlessly against injustice in a world often paralyzed by apprehension.