African Giant Fela Kuti has been honoured by Greenwich University. The late legend was honoured with a plaque for his role in the advancement of music and as the father of Afro Beat in particular.
Recall that the Afro Beat legend arrived in London to study medicine but switched to music because of his love for music which eventually became the beginning of Afro Beat.
Reacting to the award, Dele Sosimi has these to say; “Words fail me. I am buzzing, I am glowing, I am so proud. It’s a lovely thing… I feel like the plaque represents my joy and pride.”
“Fela was a live and let live guy, he had so much love and respect for art. He was a true artist. He always said to me ‘it’s all about holding down the groove’ so as his rhythm pianist, I always held the groove. Right from day one, I was hooked. I teach afrobeat here at Trinity Laban, so to see this here, now – hopefully it will encourage more students to participate in afrobeat and spread the horizon of up and coming musicians.”