Rolling Stone Music Now

Introducing - Fela Kuti: Fear No Man

Rolling Stone Music Now

Show Notes

Sharing an episode of the new podcast Fela Kuti: Fear No Man. When the world is on fire, what can music actually…do? Host Jad Abumrad recounts the true tale of one of the great political awakenings in music. Fela Kuti was a classically-trained Nigerian musician who traveled to America, only to return to Nigeria and transform his sound into a battering ram against the state. Doing so he created a new musical language of resistance called Afrobeat. But when the mix of art and activism got too hot, the state pulled out its guns, and literally opened fire.In this episode, we hear how Fela’s music had the power to move hearts, change minds, and heal the deepest wounds. Listen to more episodes of Fela Kuti: Fear No Man at https://link.mgln.ai/rollingstone . When the world is on fire, what can music actually…do? Host Jad Abumrad recounts the true tale of one of the great political awakenings in music. Fela Kuti was a classically-trained Nigerian musician who traveled to America, only to return to Nigeria and transform his sound into a battering ram against the state. Doing so he created a new musical language of resistance called Afrobeat. But when the mix of art and activism got too hot, the state pulled out its guns, and literally opened fire. In this episode, we hear how Fela’s music had the power to move hearts, change minds, and heal the deepest wounds. Listen to more episodes of Fela Kuti: Fear No Man at https://link.mgln.ai/rollingstone

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from Rolling Stone Music Now

Oct 18, 2026

We go deep inside the making of one of the year's best album's, Madonna's Confessions II, with producer Stuart Price joining Brian Hiatt for the discussion. They also talk about Price's live work with Madonna, the history of their collaboration, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 4, 2026

Elvis Costello's fantastic new box set, My Aim Is True (49th Anniversary Edition), is out now. The rock legend joins Brian Hiatt to reveal the untold stories behind his 1977 debut, from writing "Red Shoes" on a train to his mother's house to the early recordings he kept locked away for decades. He also talks about the real inspirations behind "Alison," hiding his love of country music, and much more — including the late-night bandleader gig he considered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 27, 2026

With his new photo book, Since Forever, out now, Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament tells the stories behind his shots of the band's early years, from capturing Eddie Vedder in the vocal booth during the recording ofTen to finding the sheep on the cover of Vs. He also talks about Chris Cornell and Temple of the Dog, the 1992 Lollapalooza tour, backing Neil Young, Matt Cameron's departure, how the band chose its new drummer, and much more in an in-depth interview with host Brian Hiatt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 26, 2026

With his new album, Belladonna Nocturne, out now, legendary producer Daniel Lanois looks back at his entire career. He reflects on his work with Bob Dylan, U2, Neil Young, Peter Gabriel, D'Angelo, and more in an in-depth interview with host Brian Hiatt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 27, 2026

Rivers Cuomo and Patrick Wilson of Weezer join host Brian Hiatt for an-depth conversation on Aug. 21's The Gold Album and much more — from the newfound success of "Go Away" (featuring Bethany Cosentino) to their plans (or lack thereof) for Pinkerton's 30th anniversary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See all episodes →