Wyclef Jean, renowned musician, rapper, and actor has revealed why he dedicated a song to Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti in his new album titled Carnival III.The award-winning singer said his intention is to ensure kids Google the name when they hear it in the song. Fela Kuti is the fourth track on the album.
The Supah Mario-produced Fela Kuti is a tribute to legendary Nigerian Afrobeat musician. The dance-inducing polyrhythms boost Wyclef Jean’s feel-good, party lyrics.
“I decided to name it Fela Kuti because, for me, I feel like we be thinking of [Bob] Marley, we give a lot of people from our past props, so when the kids hear Fela Kuti, I really want them to Google it.
“Fela Kuti studied jazz in England. Wyclef studied jazz at Vailsburg High School. Fela Kuti then went back to his country and tried to help his country by running for president. Wyclef, you know, did the same thing. Then, Fela, through all his obstacles and all that, his music is what pillared him right back to the top. He understood the strongest way to help politically was to make sure the music was bangin.’ So for me, the same way kids can have songs called “Wyclef Jean” who are influenced by me, I want kids to know who Fela is and what he means.”
The former Fugees member also emphasized on why he decided to work with Supah Mario on the song after hearing his work on Young Thug‘s song, ‘Wyclef Jean.’
“This is what happens when you put two generations together that inspire each other,” Wyclef said of their collaboration.
Fela’s Afrobeat melody and horns progression can be felt in the upbeat party song. No doubt, Afrobeat is here to stay