Veteran Nigerian recording artiste and activist, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is once again making waves globally — this time in the world of technology.
Tech giant Apple recently unveiled its latest MacBook Air M5, and the company chose Fela’s classic 1971 track Let’s Start as the soundtrack for the promotional campaign.
Late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
The announcement came with a sleek launch video released on YouTube, where the energetic Afrobeat tune plays as the new laptop’s ultra-slim design and impressive speed are showcased.
The iconic song originally appeared on the live album Live!, recorded in London by Fela and his legendary band Africa ’70 alongside renowned drummer Ginger Baker. The track is widely considered one of the early sounds that helped shape the Afrobeat movement.
Music industry watchers say the collaboration could introduce a whole new generation of listeners to Fela’s timeless music. With Apple’s global reach across its website, social media platforms, and Apple Music, the campaign is expected to shine an even brighter spotlight on the legend’s catalogue.
Fans may also revisit some of his other iconic songs like Zombie, Water No Get Enemy, and Expensive Shit.
Interestingly, Let’s Start has already made waves internationally before. The track was featured in the 2021 western film The Harder They Fall, produced by Jay-Z and directed by Jeymes Samuel. The movie starred major names including Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, and LaKeith Stanfield.
Afrobeat Pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
This latest recognition also comes shortly after the Afrobeat icon received a historic posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in February from the The Recording Academy, making him the first African artist to receive the prestigious honour.
Decades after his passing, Fela’s influence continues to echo across music, culture, and now even the global tech stage. 🌍🔥
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