Fela Biography

Forming his first band in 1961, he later toured and recorded in the United States, where he was introduced to the writings of Malcolm X and others, which greatly influenced his music. As a voice for the disenfranchised poor, he became a huge star in West Africa and later (1979) formed his own political party. He was a political prisoner from 1983 to 1986, but continued his attacks on Nigeria's military government following his release.