This Sunday, the Nigerian Idol contestants pay tribute to Nigeria’s great and King of Afrobeats, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Born in 1938, Fela’s passion for music saw him pursuing a career in it and eventually becoming a musical icon and a renowned activist. In 1997 he passed away, but his legacy lives on through his music.
In honour of this legend fondly referred to as ‘Abami Eda’, our Top 7 will be performing some of his greatest hits at the Live Show.
Let’s get it started
To get the ball rolling, the Top 7 will be opening the Live Show with a group performance of Fela’s ‘Water Get No Enemy’ released in 1975. This song emphasizes the importance and significance of water in everyday life. Aside from it being the first time the Top 7 will exploring Afrobeat on stage, it is also the first time we will get to see them performing together as a group. You can’t bet we are eagerly anticipating this debut on Sunday.
Akunna - Lady
Released in 1972, Fela praises the virtues of the modern-day African woman and also touches on feminism. Akunna will be performing this classic as well as showcasing who a true strong African woman is as she takes charge of the stage.
Beyonce – Shakara
This song recorded in 1971 is a humorous track that pokes fun at individuals known for fake bravado. Beyonce gets to put her own spin on this and ignite some of the energy Fela was known for on stage.
Comfort - Observation is No Crime
Comfort covers this socially conscious song from the album 'Zombie' released in 1977 and gets to showcase her growth so far on stage with this performance.
Emmanuel - No Agreement
Emmanuel has a social conscious song on his hands that demonstrates speaking up and being a brother's keeper, and it will be up to him to bring this performance to life in a way that will resonate with the audience. Will he do it just right? We will have to wait to find out.
Faith – Palava
After his remarkable tribute to Michael Jackson, last week, Faith performs this classic released in 1972, that warns about the consequences of provoking people. On Sunday, will Faith be able to recreate the magic? Time will tell.
Francis - Yellow Fever
This song released in 1976 focuses on the obsession with skin whitening and highlights the dangers of it. Francis will not only be entertaining us but passing along a social conscious message. Talk about a two for one deal!
Kingdom – Gentleman
Kingdom performs ‘Gentleman’ released in 1973 which takes a swing at men fast adopting the ways of the colonial masters. Fela reiterates that he isn’t a gentleman, but rather an original African man. Kingdom will have to channel some of this original African man aura on stage with this performance and we can’t wait to see it.
What a night it will be as we get to watch performances of these classic tracks that celebrate an icon.
Nigerian Idol season 6 is sponsored by Bigi Drinks and Tecno Mobile. Keep it locked on our social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest details. Watch Nigerian on Africa Magic Showcase, Urban and Family every Sunday from 7pm. You can catch up on all the episodes on the DStv App and watch the latest behind the scenes on Showmax' Countdown to Showtime.