Fela Kuti Quotes & Sayings

Music is a spiritual thing, you don't play with music. If you play with music you will die young. You see, because when the higher forces give you the gift of music ... musicians hip, it must be well used for the gift of humanity. — Fela Kuti

Music is the weapon. Music is the weapon of the future. — Fela Kuti

If it is not fit to live in, then our job is to make it fit. — Fela Kuti

To be spiritual is not by praying and going to church. Spiritualism is the understanding of the universe so that it can be a better place to live in. — Fela Kuti

Music is a weapon of the future / music is the weapon of the progressives / music is the weapon of the givers of life — Fela Kuti

To be honest and truthful in all endeavours is an experience, not a regret — Fela Kuti

You cannot sing African music in proper English — Fela Kuti

The secret of life is to have no fear. — Fela Kuti

That is my best friend because it is a gift of the creator to Africans. It is a spirit. Marijuana has five fingers of creation ... it enhances all your five senses. — Fela Kuti

In Nigeria they convict by law, not by the truth — Fela Kuti

A radical is he who has no sense ... fights without reason ... I have a reason. I am authentic. Yes, that's what I am. — Fela Kuti

My people are scared of the air around them, they always have an excuse not to fight for freedom, — Fela Kuti

I must identify myself with Africa. Then I will have an identity. — Fela Kuti

With my music, I create change ... I am using my music as a weapon. — Fela Kuti

I could never leave my home ... It inspires me a lot. — Fela Kuti

99.9% of the information you get about Africa is wrong — Fela Kuti

I refuse to live my life in fear ... — Fela Kuti

When you're in prison, you can't do anything about what's happening outside. — Fela Kuti

I want peace. Happiness. Not only for myself. For everybody. — Fela Kuti

The music of Africa is big sound: it's the sound of a community — Fela Kuti

I hold death in my pouch, I cannot die. — Fela Kuti

I don't tell lies about anybody. That's why i win all my wars. — Fela Kuti

It would be inadmissible if I would vent my opinion publicly. Not only could I harm the artist concerned seriously because people have so much respect for me and believe in me because of my musical accomplishments. And I could also antagonize people against me, because everyone has his own taste. We all make music, people can choose from that what they like. Every musician likes his own music the best, man. I don't want to attack that. I don't mind criticism, I can handle it, but most people can't. — Fela Kuti