Impact of Fela Anikulapo's Afro Music on Political Awareness Among Fans in Calabar Metropolis

This study explores the impact of Fela Anikulapo Kuti's Afrobeat music on political
awareness among his fans in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. The research aims to
determine how exposure to Fela's music influences political consciousness and
engagement in this urban setting, characterized by significant political apathy. The study
adopts a qualitative research design, utilizing focus group discussions with selected
participants from Calabar Metropolis. This approach allows for in-depth exploration of
participants' exposure to Fela’s music, their perceptions of its political messages, and the
influence of these messages on their political awareness and behavior. The findings
reveal that Fela's Afrobeat music significantly influences political awareness among his
fans. The majority of participants reported regular exposure to Fela’s music, identifying it
as a critical tool for political education and social mobilization. The study also found that
Fela’s music fosters critical dialogue and encourages civic participation, though some
participants questioned the direct impact of this musical activism on tangible political
change. The study concludes that Fela's Afrobeat serves as an essential cultural
resource for promoting political awareness and activism in Calabar Metropolis. However,
it also highlights the need for complementary strategies to translate this awareness into
sustained political engagement and societal change. It recommends that policymakers,
educators, and cultural leaders leverage the power of Afrobeat in political education and
civic initiatives, particularly among the youth in urban centers like Calabar.