Fela Kuti’s 1976 album “Zombie” remains one of the most influential political statements in Nigerian music history. Released during military rule, the song mocked soldiers as unthinking followers of authority, directly challenging the military government. Its impact extended beyond music, becoming a rallying cry for students, activists, and ordinary Nigerians frustrated by authoritarianism. The album provoked a fierce response: soldiers raided Fela’s compound, burned it down, and severely injured his mother, who later died from her injuries. Half a century later, many of the issues Fela criticized—including poverty, corruption, inequality, and elite impunity—remain deeply relevant. With 63% of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty and the country facing ongoing security challenges, critics say Fela’s warnings proved eerily prophetic.
AP