Questlove's Favorite Fela Kuti Songs

For the latest installment in their playlist series, Fela.net tap Questlove to select his favorite songs from afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.

Questlove's Favorite Fela Kuti Songs


Questlove is no stranger to Fela Kuti. He's written passionately about the afrobeat legend, covered & sampled several of his songs and given detailed insights on the Nigerian pioneer's message and the uncompromising political stance behind his music. For the latest installment in their artist playlist series, Fela.net tapped The Roots' icon to select his favorite Fela tracks, which include classics like "Fear Not For Man,"  "Beasts Of No Nation," "Everything Scatter," and the rarer cut "Just Like That."

“[Fela's music is] not microwave music, it’s souffle," Questlove mentions in his Finding Fela interview. "It’s a slow burn that just sizzles, and gets hotter... He clearly had the ear and the adoration of the people. To use this time & time again, and to get thrown in jail every time a single comes out. I mean, I have 16 records and can’t imagine that I might have to go to jail for every time my album comes out. Not many people are willing to suffer for their craft.”

Hear Questlove’s selections in a Spotify playlist below and check out other Fela Kuti playlists from Black ThoughtTalib KweliBrian Eno, Rich Medina, and Ziggy Marley.

Nelson Mandela free from prison visiting a school doing the black power salute.
Music

12 Essential Anti-Apartheid Struggle Songs from South Africa & Around the World

It wasn't just South African musicians—artists from around the continent and the world all stood up in solidarity and released anti-Apartheid songs.

South African twin duo Major League DJz pose for a press image in punk-style t-shirts and sunglasses.
Music

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best African music of the week featuring Femi Kuti, Major League Djz x Jorja Smith, Cina Soul, Nduduzo Makhathini, and more.