12 Stanlake Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7HP
Fela Kuti first lived here when he came to London to study music at Trinity College in 1958.
Kuti was a Nigerian singer, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, political activist and regarded as the founder of the influential musical style ‘Afrobeat’.
At the height of his popularity was referred to as one of Africa's most "challenging and charismatic music performers".
He married his first wife, Remilekun (Remi) Taylor in 1960, and had three children. In 1963, he moved back to the newly independent Federation of Nigeria and attempted to run for its first presidency.
In 1971 he returned to London to record his album Fela's London Scene at Abbey Road Studios, kicking off what many call the best period of his music.
In 1984, he was jailed for 20 months in Nigeria for his political views.
Fela Kuti first lived here when he came to London to study music at Trinity College in 1958.
Kuti was a Nigerian singer, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, political activist and regarded as the founder of the influential musical style ‘Afrobeat’.
At the height of his popularity was referred to as one of Africa's most "challenging and charismatic music performers".
He married his first wife, Remilekun (Remi) Taylor in 1960, and had three children. In 1963, he moved back to the newly independent Federation of Nigeria and attempted to run for its first presidency.
In 1971 he returned to London to record his album Fela's London Scene at Abbey Road Studios, kicking off what many call the best period of his music.
In 1984, he was jailed for 20 months in Nigeria for his political views.
Today
Today, Kuti is still remembered as an icon for voicing his political views through his music and was honoured with a blue plaque in Shepherd's Bush in 2021.
Visit the Fela Kuti website to find out more about his life, legacy and music.