Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid a heartfelt tribute to Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer, in a newly released podcast series celebrating the musician’s revolutionary impact on art and activism.
Obama delivered the tribute on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in a new podcast titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man”, produced by Higher Ground, the media company he co-founded with his wife, Michelle Obama.
In a video shared on his official Instagram page, Obama described Fela as a musical genius from Nigeria whose art and courage continue to inspire generations around the world.
“He is a musical genius from Nigeria — a unique figure in musical history who made music that I really love,” Obama said. “My admiration for Fela is personal. I really love him.”
The “Fear No Man” podcast series is dedicated to celebrating global icons who seamlessly blended creativity with activism — artists who used their voices to challenge power and push for social change.
Obama’s tribute underscores the lasting influence of Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat movement, which not only redefined African music but also became a fearless platform for political and social expression.
More than two decades after his passing, Fela’s legacy continues to resonate worldwide, inspiring new generations of musicians, activists, and thinkers.
