Video Dig: Fela Kuti Interview extract from film Konkombe

“Yes if you are in England, the music can be an instrument of enjoyment. You can sing about love, you can sing about whom you’re going to bed with next! But in my own environment, my society is under developing because of an alien system on our people so there’s no musical enjoyment there’s nothing like love, there’s something like a struggle for people’s existence. So as an artist, politically artistically, the whole idea of your environment must be represented in the music, in the arts.” – Fela Kuti

I was recently asked if there was room for Politics is Hip-Hop to which I instinctively responded was there ever Hip-Hop without Politics but the question still lingered in my mind for a few days after. Music and Politics, are they one in the same? How much can we tell about someone’s political views, social status and culture by listening to their music [whether they’re being blatant or not]? But most importantly is it really an artist’s responsibility to send out a cohesive message about their politics through their music?

All these questions kept bringing back to an interview I saw of Fela Kuti in the film Konkombe where he explains that an artist has a responsibility towards his environment. This concept perfectly embodies how I pick my favorite artists. There needs to be connection between where you’re from, what you say, what you do and where you’re going for me to be able to relate with your art. As for Politics, I think we all eventually realize that Politics dictated our environment and from then on, it’s up to you decide whether you remain apathetic, praise it or challenge it.

For those of you who don’t know, Fela Kuti is an internationally acclaimed Nigerian musician and political activist that cannot be summed up in a few sentences so do yourself a favor and read Fela: This Bitch of a Life for more about his noteworthy life and listen to the compilation The Underground Spiritual Game for an introduction to his musical genius.

MF Gold

Music Journalist, Videographer and adamant Independent-Art Patron. She also cameos as a Personal Trainer/Kinesiologist and Massage Therapist in the daytime.