October 15: A Tribute to Two African Independence Leaders – Thomas Sankara and Fela Kuti

October 15 is a significant date in the history of Africa’s struggle for independence. It symbolizes both the tragic loss of Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso, and the birth of Fela Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat and a fierce opponent of oppressive regimes. These two iconic figures, enshrined in United Souls’ pantheon, shared not only a common vision for African independence but also a deep love for music, which they saw as a tool for expression and resistance.

Thomas Sankara: A Revolutionary and a Musician Few people know that Thomas Sankara was not only a political visionary. Before becoming known as the "African Che Guevara," he was also a passionate musician. In the 1970s, Sankara played guitar in the group Tout-à-Coup Jazz, formed under the military rule of Colonel General Sangoulé Lamizana. This group allowed him to express his love for jazz and his commitment to culture, which he saw as a powerful force for social transformation.

His passion for music shaped his approach to leadership. Convinced of the emancipatory power of the arts, Sankara promoted the creation of theaters and art centers throughout Burkina Faso, providing spaces where the people could express themselves and reclaim their cultural identity. Remarkably, Sankara is one of the few heads of state to have composed his country’s national anthem, highlighting how deeply music was woven into his vision for an independent and proud Burkina Faso.

His friendship with Fela Kuti, the Nigerian legend of Afrobeat, strengthened his commitment to unity and the liberation of the African people through art. Together, they used music as a weapon against oppression, proving that culture could be a powerful catalyst for change.

Fela Kuti: Music as a Weapon of Liberation Born on October 15, Fela Kuti embodied resistance through music. As the founder of Afrobeat, he turned his concerts into political acts, condemning social injustices, corruption, and the dictatorial regimes of his time. For Fela, music wasn’t just an art form—it was a powerful weapon for awakening consciousness. "Music is the weapon of the future," he said, and his work continues to inspire generations of activists and artists. Each year, Felabration, held around October 15, honors Fela Kuti by celebrating his music and political legacy worldwide. This international celebration reminds us how Fela’s voice, like Sankara’s, still echoes in today’s struggles for justice and freedom.

A Living Legacy at United Souls At United Souls, these two giants of African history hold a place of honor. The creations paying tribute to Thomas Sankara and Fela Kuti, designed by artist Joy Hanoun, celebrate their shared fight and their unwavering commitment to the independence of the African continent.

As Felabration wins hearts around the world and Burkina Faso rediscovers its path to self-determination under the leadership of Ibrahim Traoré, the memories of Thomas Sankara and Fela Kuti remain an inexhaustible source of inspiration for African peoples in their quest for freedom.