Page 14 - INSIDE ACCESS NOVEMBER 1ST EDITION

MY TOP 5 PICKS
Water No Get Enemy
Fela Kuti's 'Water No Get Enemy' is a work of pure philosophy. Critics and musical journalists still argue about what Kuti really wanted to say using water as a metaphor. Some say that this literary device stands for the nature of social interactions; others state that, in such way, the singer describes harmonious relations among people.
Lady
Fela Kuti's 'Lady' track is quite controversial. In it, the singer tells the audience what he thinks of a Nigerian woman, her place in the society of the 1970s. He does not believe that a woman is equal to a man; he does not believe in her independence. Such harsh statements could cause him a lot of trouble in today's world. However, thinking about how many hardships the singer endured due to his political songs back in his days, we do not think that a mere frown from society would have stopped the performer from proclaiming his opinions in his tracks.
Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense
It is a profound song in which the singer ponders over the source of problems in African countries, namely:
''Problems of inflation / Problems of corruption / Of mismanagement / Stealing by government'' Fela states that every government has a teacher, and it is the culture of each nation. However, in the case of African countries, European colonists were the teachers that taught the Africans not democracy, but “dem-o-cr-azy” with its corruption and stealing. Therefore, the artiste sings “Teacher don't teach me nonsense.”
Unknown Soldier
Unknown Soldier is another track that was inspired by the notorious attack of 1977. In this song, the singer describes the events that took place then. He picked such a name for this work because later the press said that unknown soldiers were the ones who committed the crimes during that attack. This is also reflected in the track:
''Which kind injustice is this? / Wetin concern government inside? / If na unknown soldier / I said, wetin concern government inside? / If na unknown soldier / We get unknown police / We get unknown soldier / We get unknown civilian / All is equal to unknown government''
Fela Kuti's songs evoke admiration. This legend fought for positive change in his country.
With his songs, Kuti inspired people and gave them the strength to struggle against injustice.
Fela's tracks are sincere and heartfelt. Maybe, this is the reason they have stayed popular to this day.
Contributed by Lota Anadu
PAGE 14 INSIDE ACCESS | NOVEMBER 2020 1ST EDITION