Barack Obama launches podcast honoring Fela Anikulapo‑Kuti
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has debuted a new podcast series through his production company that pays tribute to Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The 12-episode series, titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,” was announced by Obama in a social-media video.
It explores Fela’s musical innovation, blending funk, jazz and soul into Afrobeat, as well as his activist legacy in Nigeria and beyond.
Production is handled by Higher Ground, the media company co-founded by Obama and his spouse.
The first two episodes, titled “To Hell and Back” and “Becoming Fela,” were released on 15 October, coinciding with the annual Felabration festival.
The podcast features interviews with prominent international figures in music and culture, including Questlove, Paul McCartney, Burna Boy, and members of Fela’s own family.
Obama described the project as “a beautiful show about a unique figure in musical history who mixed art with activism.”
He added: “He is a musical genius from Nigeria … so check out Fela Kuti: Fear No Man on Audible and wherever you get your podcasts.”