Music must awaken people to do their duty as citizens and act.
Fela KutiRead
I realized that you cannot think European and want to write or create something African. You have to think African in everything.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Authenticity in creativity requires embracing one's own cultural identity.
Fela Kuti's quote emphasizes the importance of cultural authenticity in creative expression. He asserts that to truly create something representative of African culture, one must think and operate within the framework of that culture, rather than adopting a foreign mindset that may dilute or misrepresent the essence of African identity.
Themes
AfricanIdentityCreativityCultureAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote during a cultural conference to emphasize the importance of authentic representation in art.
More from Fela Kuti
All quotes βThe rhythm, the sounds, the tonality, the chord sequences, the individual effect of each instrument and each section of the band - I'm talking about a whole continent in my music.
Fela KutiRead
I'm playing deep African music.
Fela KutiRead
The art, the greatness of the music, the experience of the music is what I'm about. I think most African artists have destroyed their artistry by commercialization, and I don't want to belong to that bag.
Fela KutiRead
The human spirit is stronger than any government or institution.
Fela KutiRead
My message was 'Think African. Make schools read African history.'
Fela KutiRead
Similar quotes
We've switched from a culture that was interested in manufacturing, economics, politics - trying to play a serious part in the world - to a culture that's really entertainment-based.
Stephen KingRead
Hip-hop has done more for race relations than most cultural icons; and I say save Martin Luther King, because his 'I Have A Dream' speech was realized when Obama was elected into office.
Jay-ZRead
Koreans love to dance; they love to sing. If you actually know Koreans, you see how absurd the stereotype of the 'Asian robot' is. They love to laugh - they're very affectionate. Maybe because of their history of oppression, when they feel you are part of their tribe, they are intensely loyal. I love that about Koreans!
Min Jin LeeRead
If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast.
Shashi TharoorRead
If culture was a house, then language was the key to the front door, [and] to all rooms inside.
Khaled HosseiniRead
Africa is our center of gravity, our cultural and spiritual mother and father, our beating heart, no matter where we live on the face of this earth.
John Henrik ClarkeRead