Music Is The Weapon

Year: 1982

Grade: B+

Country: France

Director: Flori/Tchalgadjieff

Review

short, but thorough documentary on the life of fela kuti. it covers a bit of his upbringing, his impact on nigeria, his politics, his music and his legend. it’s a great introduction to fela, but it left me wondering how well he would hold up to further scrutiny. for example, he ran for president of nigeria and espoused ideas of equality and “africanism,” but the documentary didn’t really explore what that meant or what specific policies kuti had in mind. he also talks about his polygamous lifestyle as an african tradition. he points out that europeans have a wife and then go to the streets for their mistresses. he posits that it’s better to have all your mistresses in your home, as wives. while i agree that it’s more honest, both assume polygamy is a given. given his place and time, though, these are minor questions of mine; and they may have good answers. anyone who doesn’t know who fela kuti is should be a bit embarrassed (i didn’t until 2001), and anyone who likes him should watch this movie.