THE INTERSECTION OF ACTIVISM AND PHILANTHROPY: A COMPARATIVE

ANALYSIS OF FELA RANSOME KUTI ANIKULAPO’S PHILOSOPHIES (VIZ A VIZ HIS SONGS) AND THE AIYEKU FOUNDATION’S VISIONS.

BY OKUNNUWA AGBARA,

AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, EKPOMA

FACULTY OF LAW,

DEPT OF COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL LAW

400 LEVEL

30TH APRIL, 2025.

INTRODUCTION

The Aiyeku Foundation, established by the visionary duo of Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku and Chief Mrs. Janet Aiyeku, has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals like myself. It’s a haven for the marginalized, the struggling, those who have been pushed to the brink of despair and thought their dreams were beyond reach. The foundation has helped many present and future giants overcome financial and academic challenges, all without a hint of selfish interest. Instead, the Aiyeku Foundation is driven by a selfless mission: to empower individuals through education, believing that a proper education is the key to building a better future for themselves and their communities. My own journey with the Aiyeku Foundation is a testament to their transformative power. I was raised by a single, blind, and impoverished mother, the weight of my family’s poverty pressed heavily upon me. My ambition to become a lawyer, a voice for the voiceless, a champion for the downtrodden, seemed like a distant dream. I was a student on the verge of dropping out, my future was as bleak as the village I called home. This is what the foundation’s support meant to me: a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty, a belief in my potential, and a commitment to seeing me succeed.

The Aiyeku Foundation did not just offer financial assistance; they offered a lifeline. They covered my tuition fees during a critical phase of my academic journey, a phase that could have easily ended my pursuit of a law degree. Without their support, I would have become another “dropped out student,” another statistic in the grim reality of poverty. But thanks to the Aiyeku Foundation, I was able to continue my studies and keep the flame of my dreams alive.

The Aiyeku Foundation’s dedication to empowering individuals through education echoes the revolutionary spirit of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary musician, pan-Africanist, and human rights activist. Like Fela, the foundation recognizes the profound power of education to dismantle societal injustices and ignite individual potential, particularly in a world riddled with corruption and selfishness. Fela’s music, a potent blend of Afrobeat and social commentary, served as a platform to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for a more equitable world. His philosophy, deeply rooted in pan-Africanism, championed self-reliance, social justice, and the liberation of the African spirit.

The Aiyeku Foundation, like Fela, is a beacon of hope in a world often characterized by greed and self-interest. Their unwavering commitment to providing educational opportunities serves as a testament to their belief in the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. Fela’s music, a powerful tool for social change, and the Aiyeku Foundation’s work, a testament to the power of education, stand as powerful reminders that even in the darkest of times, hope and the pursuit of a better future can prevail.Let’s explore four (4) of Fela Kuti’s core philosophies, examining their impact on his life and work.

Happiness

Fela’s declaration, “I don’t want happiness for myself alone, but I want it for everybody,” resonates with a powerful vision of shared joy. It is a call for collective well-being, a rejection of personal gain at the expense of others. The Aiyeku Foundation embodies this spirit, extending its support far beyond its immediate circle. I am a testament to their dedication to fostering happiness and opportunity for all. I was at the edge of dropping out I heard about the philanthropical act of this foundation in which I can testify of anywhere today. Also, Fela in one of his tracks. “International Thief Thief”. This is more than a song; it’s a visceral experience, a raw and unflinching look at the forces that rob Nigerians of their happiness. The lyrics are a direct challenge to the corruption and exploitation that systematically undermine progress and suffocate the aspirations of the marginalized. It exposes the daily struggles of the impoverished, the vulnerable, and the forgotten, all victims of corrupt leadership and corporate greed. In this landscape of struggle, the Aiyeku Foundation emerges as a beacon of hope, mirroring the song’s spirit by actively working to uplift and empower these same individuals. Through vital initiatives like scholarships, the foundation doesn’t just offer assistance; it fuels dreams, providing opportunities for individuals like myself to experience the transformative power of education and empowerment. It is a testament to the belief that a brighter future is not just possible, but within reach.

Social Justice For All

Fela Kuti’s music and activism were deeply intertwined with social justice. His songs, like “Zombie,” directly challenged the Nigerian government and military, highlighting corruption, oppression, and the abuse of power. His music was a voice for the voiceless, advocating for the rights of the marginalized and criticizing the societal ills of the time. Aiyeku Foundation, on the other hand, is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and social justice through education. While Fela’s approach was primarily through music and direct confrontation, Aiyeku Foundation focuses on practical initiatives to uplift communities and address social inequalities. Both, however, share a common goal: to improve society and fight for a more just world, albeit through different methods.

Citizenry Empowerment

Through his iconic track “Vagabonds in Power,” Fela didn’t just sing; he ignited a fire. He used his music to awaken a sleeping populace, exposing the self-serving nature of leaders and sparking a demand for accountability. His words were a call to action, urging Nigerians to recognize and challenge the status quo

He ignited a fire of critical consciousness, the Aiyeku Foundation champions a similar kind of empowerment, but through education. While Fela armed listeners with the knowledge to challenge systemic corruption, Aiyeku directly empowers students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, with the transformative power of education. By providing scholarships, Aiyeku is not just offering financial aid; it is cultivating agents of positive change. These students, equipped with knowledge and opportunities, become beacons of hope, ready to break barriers and build a more equitable society. They are the future architects, the innovators, the voices that will reshape the landscape. This educational empowerment is a powerful catalyst, mirroring the spirit of defiance and progress found in Kuti’s music, ensuring that the less privileged are not left behind, but rather, are given the tools to rise, lead, and redefine their destinies.”

Freedom & Liberation

Fela’s music was a powerful call to action. He understood that liberation and freedom could shatter the chains of poverty and ignorance. His music was designed to awaken a society and empower them to break free. Similarly, the Aiyeku foundation recognizes the importance of liberation from poverty and its impact on education, which is why they offer scholarships. “Zombie” by Fela Kuti is a powerful protest song, and its impact goes beyond music. It’s a direct attack on the blind obedience of soldiers and, by extension, any form of unthinking conformity. The song’s message is clear: question authority, think for yourself, and don’t let anyone turn you into a mindless follower. It’s a call to arms for critical thinking and individual freedom.

The Aiyeku Foundation aligns with this spirit of empowerment. It focuses on education, not just as a means of acquiring knowledge, but as a tool for liberation. Education, as the foundation sees it, equips people with the critical thinking skills necessary to challenge the status quo and make informed decisions about their lives. By investing in education, Aiyeku helps individuals break free from cycles of poverty and oppression, mirroring the call in “Zombie” to reject blind obedience and embrace independent thought. The song and the foundation share a common goal: to foster a world where people are free to think, question, and live authentically.

In Conclusion:

The echoes of Fela Kuti’s revolutionary music and the actions of the Aiyeku Foundation, though separated by artistic expression and philanthropic action, resonate with a shared commitment: the liberation of the human spirit. Fela, through his incendiary lyrics and infectious rhythms, wielded music as a weapon against the shackles of societal oppression. He sought to awaken the masses, to ignite a fire of awareness and resistance against the forces that kept them bound. His songs, like “Zombie” and “Vagabonds in Power,” were not just entertainment; they were manifestos, calls to arms, and blueprints for a more just society.

The Aiyeku Foundation, on the other hand, operates in a different arena. They recognize that poverty, a potent form of societal constraint, can rob individuals of their potential, particularly through the denial of education. Their scholarships are not merely financial aid; they are acts of liberation, offering a pathway to knowledge, empowerment, and ultimately, freedom.

The intersection lies in their shared goal: to break down the barriers that confine individuals and communities. Fela used art to dismantle the walls of ignorance and apathy, while the Aiyeku Foundation employs tangible resources to create opportunities for advancement. Both approaches, though distinct, are driven by a profound understanding of the transformative power of liberation. They are testaments to the idea that true progress requires not only a critique of the existing order but also concrete actions to build a better future. In essence, Fela’s music and the Aiyeku Foundation’s work are two sides of the same coin, both striving to create a world where every individual has the chance to thrive