Will Smith

Certainly, you never know which musicians will make a comeback and when.  At the moment, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, a pioneer in the mix of African music, jazz, funk and “Afrobeat” is enjoying a revival.  As a global superstar in the 1970s, Fela Kuti is enjoying a comeback.  While he’s been gone for over a decade, his revolutionary music is enjoying a resurgence in American pop culture.

Certainly, this revival is due to two main influences.  “Fela!”, a hit Broadway musical, uses Afrobeat music to tell the story of Kuti’s life.  This musical is backed by Jay-Z and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.  In addition to this obvious recognition of Kuti’s talents, Knitting Factory Records recently began releasing re-mastered editions of his entire catalog of music.  This project will include, in total, nine albums that were recorded from 1969 to 1974.