The 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
Music must awaken people to do their duty as citizens and act.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Music serves as a powerful catalyst for inspiring civic responsibility and action.
Fela Kuti's quote emphasizes the transformative power of music, suggesting that it should not only entertain but also inspire individuals to engage actively in their communities and fulfill their responsibilities as citizens. This perspective highlights how art, particularly music, can mobilize people to take action in the pursuit of social justice and collective well-being.
Themes
MusicCitizenshipDutyActivismArt
In practice
Example use cases
Using the quote in a speech at a community event to motivate local artists.
More from Fela Kuti
All quotes →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
Music is a weapon of the future / music is the weapon of the progressives / music is the weapon of the givers of life
Fela KutiRead
Similar quotes
I find the greatest songs in the world come out of pain, and I don't like it! Here's what it does: It strips away all of your facade. It makes you so honest. It's cleansing.
Lionel RichieRead
The person whose work introduced me to the craft was Lorraine Hansberry. The person who taught me to love the craft was Tennessee Williams. The person who really taught me the power of the craft was August Wilson, and the person who taught me the political heft of the craft was Arthur Miller.
Lynn NottageRead
Or art thou but / A dagger of the mind, a false creation, / Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?
William ShakespeareRead
I find that’s one of the great things about acting-you have the opportunity to stand in somebody else’s shoes. Each character faces a dilemma in her life, and as an actor you’re able to step into that character’s skin, look through her eyes. You leave transformed, a different person, because once you live a little bit of someone’s life, it changes you.
Sally FieldRead
No matter how big the audience is going to be. I'm interested in doing things that are fun.
Alan AldaRead
"The work of art must seize upon you...carry you away."
Pierre-Auguste RenoirRead