October 15: Tribute to two leaders of African independence - Thomas Sankara and Fela Kuti
October 15th is a landmark date in the history of the African people's struggle for independence. It symbolizes both the tragic passing of Thomas Sankara, Burkinabé revolutionary leader, and the birth of Fela Kuti, Afrobeat pioneer and fervent opponent of oppressive regimes. These two iconic figures, inscribed in the United Souls pantheon, shared not only a common vision for African independence, but also a profound love for music, a tool of expression and resistance.
Thomas Sankara, a revolutionary and a musician
Few people know this, but Thomas Sankara was not only a political visionary. Before being known as the "African Che Guevara," he was also a passionate musician. In the 1970s, Sankara played guitar in the band Tout-à-Coup Jazz, formed under the military leadership of Colonel General Sangoulé Lamizana. This group allowed him to express his passion for jazz and his commitment to culture, which he saw as a force for social transformation.
His commitment to music shaped his approach to the presidency. Convinced of the emancipatory power of the arts, Sankara promoted the creation of theaters and arts centers across Burkina Faso, providing spaces for people to express themselves and reclaim their cultural identity. Uniquely, Sankara is one of the few heads of state to have composed his country's national anthem, illustrating the extent to which music was an integral part of his vision for an independent Burkina Faso proud of its roots.
His friendship with Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti strengthened his commitment to the unity and empowerment of African people through art. Together, they used music as a weapon against oppression, proving that culture could be a powerful force for change.
Fela Kuti, music as a weapon of liberation
Born on October 15, Fela Kuti embodied resistance through music. The founder of Afrobeat, he transformed his concerts into true political acts, denouncing the social injustices, corruption, and dictatorial regimes of his time. For Fela, music was not only an art, but a powerful weapon to liberate consciences. "Music is the weapon of the future," he said, and his work continues to inspire generations of activists and artists. Every year, the Felabration, held around October 15, pays tribute to Fela Kuti, celebrating his music and political legacy around the world. This international celebration is a reminder that Fela's voice, like that of Sankara, still resonates today in struggles for justice and freedom.
A Living Legacy at United Souls
At United Souls, these two giants of African history occupy a place of honor. The creations in tribute to Thomas Sankara and Fela Kuti, created by artist Joy Hanoun, celebrate both their shared struggle and their unwavering commitment to the independence of the African continent.
As Felabration conquers hearts around the world and Burkina Faso finds its way back to self-determination under the leadership of Ibrahim Traoré, the memory of Thomas Sankara and Fela Kuti remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for African peoples in their quest for freedom.