90-Year-Old Baba Ani Remembers Fela Kuti's Legacy

Baba Ani, at 90 years old, reminisces about his time with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti during a recent interview with the Podcast Network. He spent 32 years performing with Fela in both the Africa 70 and Egypt 80 bands, which were pivotal in the evolution of Afrobeat.

Baba Ani fondly recalls Fela as the person he misses most, highlighting their deep friendship that lasted over three decades. He recounts the last time he saw Fela in the hospital before his death on August 2, 1997, from complications related to AIDS, confirming there were no arguments or falling outs.

Baba Ani, who has worked alongside notable musicians like Tony Allen, YS, Ego, and Kofi, remains a vital link to Afrobeat's golden era. His reflections underscore the significant impact of Fela's music, which blended traditional Yoruba sounds with jazz and funk, making him a provocative figure in African music history.