Celebrities

Naira Marley and the legacy of Fela Kuti: A comparison of their music and ideologies

By Victoria Adeleke

June 05, 2023

Naira Marley is a Nigerian musician known for his music that reflects street and urban life. His music has been influenced by genres like hip hop, reggae, and Afrobeat. Additionally, his lyrics often focus on the realities of life, such as economic hardships, societal injustices, and political corruption. He is also known for promoting a controversial lifestyle and has been involved in various legal issues, including cybercrime and public health violations.

On the other hand, Fela Kuti is a Nigerian music icon and is considered the father of Afrobeat music. His music was inspired by various genres like jazz, funk, and African rhythms. Fela’s music is known for being political and social, reflecting his desire for change in Nigerian society. He was also one of Nigeria’s most vocal critics of the government and its policies and was known for his activism and revolutionary spirit.

In terms of their ideologies, both Naira Marley and Fela Kuti share a similar critique of social, political, and economic issues in Nigeria. However, their approaches and methods differ. Naira Marley’s approach is more individualistic, and he focuses on personal expressions of dissatisfaction with issues in society. In contrast, Fela Kuti took a more community-oriented approach by using his music to mobilize people towards social and political change.

Overall, while Naira Marley’s music may reflect some of the same concerns Fela Kuti had, the latter is widely regarded as a more conscious and revolutionary artist whose music and ideology have left an indelible mark on Nigerian and African music and society.