Former U.S. President Barack Obama has endorsed a new Fela Kuti podcast. In a social media video posted October 22, 2025, Obama called the Afrobeat pioneer a “musical genius.”
The new 12-episode series is titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man.” It comes from Higher Ground, the media company he shares with Michelle Obama.
Obama’s powerful endorsement frames the series as essential listening for fans of music and history.
The Makings of a Musical Rebel
Fela Kuti famously combined funk, jazz, and traditional West African rhythms to create Afrobeat. This genre became a powerful tool for political defiance.
“His music ignites souls,” Obama stated, praising Fela’s unique blend of art and activism.
The podcast explores his origins, including his 1969 awakening in Los Angeles. That trip helped forge his identity as a Pan-Africanist warrior.
Obama himself appears in the first episode, “To Hell and Back,” to discuss Fela’s enduring power to heal and inspire.
Inside the ‘Fear No Man’ Fela Kuti Podcast
The series, which is now in its fourth episode, is built on a foundation of over 200 interviews.
It features intimate commentary from Fela’s children, Yeni and Femi Kuti, and his grandson, Mádé Kuti.
Global music stars also contribute, including Burna Boy, Paul McCartney, Questlove, and Santigold.
These voices help trace Fela’s evolution from a young musician into a fearless global icon. The series connects his historic rebellion to modern social and creative movements.
Afrobeat’s Enduring Global Influence
Fela’s music was more than just sound; it was a movement. He used bold lyrics and infectious rhythms to confront injustice and give voice to the oppressed.
“Fela’s work makes you feel alive,” Obama remarked in his promotion.
The series highlights Afrobeat’s lasting impact on new generations of artists across different genres. It proves how one artist’s story, rooted in Nigeria, can unite and uplift the world.
A Must-Hear Tribute to a Trailblazer
Obama’s high praise has generated significant buzz for the project. “This show celebrates a one-of-a-kind figure,” he said, inviting fans to explore Fela’s world.
The Fela Kuti podcast serves as a timely showcase of Nigeria’s powerful cultural history.
It invites a global audience to rediscover the story of a man who used his music as a weapon for change. Fela’s legacy of courage, creativity, and resilience continues to inspire.
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