Name : Orina Deborah
School: College of Medecine, University of Lagos
Essay Topic : Fela Kuti’s Dream for Shared Happiness: Can It Work in Today’s Communities?

Fela Anikulapo Kuti was more than just a musician — he was a voice for the people, a fighter for justice, and a strong critic of bad leadership. His famous words, “I don’t want happiness for myself alone; I want it for everybody,” show his deep belief in fairness and unity. This quote isn’t just about personal feelings — it’s a strong message about how society should work. In today’s world, where everyone is often chasing their own success, Fela’s dream sounds different — even unrealistic to some. But is it really impossible? This essay looks at whether Fela’s belief in shared happiness still makes sense today or whether it’s just a dream that can’t come true. We will explore this using examples from culture, politics, economy, and moral values.
1. African Communal Life vs. Modern Individualism
Fela’s idea fits well with traditional African life, where people cared for each other and shared what they had. In many villages and smaller communities, this spirit is still alive — neighbors help one another during farming, weddings, funerals, and other life events. The success of one person is seen as a success for all.
But in many cities today, life has changed. People are more focused on themselves. Everyone wants to “make it” — even if it means stepping on others. Social media also encourages showing off personal wealth and success. This change makes Fela’s belief harder to practice in daily life. Still, the old African way of living together and helping each other hasn’t completely disappeared — it just needs to be revived.
2. Government and Leadership in Africa
Fela didn’t trust the government, and he wasn’t afraid to say so in his music. He believed that leaders should care for everyone, not just themselves or their friends. Today, many African countries still face the same problems he complained about: corruption, poverty, and lack of fairness.
Because of this, many people think that shared happiness is impossible unless the leadership changes. However, we’ve seen hope in recent years. For example, youth protests like #EndSARS in Nigeria showed that people still care about justice and are ready to fight for a better society. These movements prove that Fela’s message is not outdated — it still inspires people to demand fairness and unity.
3. Economic Challenges and Inequality
One big reason why shared happiness seems far away is money — or the lack of it. In many African countries, only a small group of people controls most of the wealth, while millions struggle to afford basic things like food, education, and healthcare. It’s hard to think about others when you’re just trying to survive.
But there’s still some light like Aiyeku Foundation is helping to give people new chances in life. These efforts may not solve all problems, but they are steps toward a fairer society. When people work together to lift each other up, they’re bringing Fela’s dream to life.
4. Culture, Music, and Social Awareness
Fela used music to fight for change. His songs were full of truth, even when they made people uncomfortable. Today, many artists continue in his footsteps, using music, film, and social media to talk about serious issues like mental health, poverty, gender violence, and injustice.
Even though popular culture often celebrates money and fame, there’s a growing number of creators who use their platform to make a difference. These artists show that culture can help shift people’s minds toward caring for others. So, Fela’s influence lives on — not just in music, but in how people think and act in society.
5. Morals, Religion, and Ethical Values
Fela’s belief in shared happiness is also a moral idea — it’s about caring for others and seeing yourself in them. Many African traditions and religions teach us to love our neighbors, give to the poor, and help those in need. These values support the kind of society Fela wanted.
But in reality, things are not always that simple. Corruption, greed, and selfishness have weakened these values in many places. When people are struggling, they sometimes lose trust in moral teachings because they feel left behind. However, if schools, families, and religious leaders return to teaching real values — not just empty rules — then society can become more united again.
In Conclusion, Fela Kuti’s dream of shared happiness might sound too big or too ideal in today’s world, but it’s not impossible. Yes, we live in a time where selfishness, inequality, and bad leadership are real problems. But we also live in a time of change — where young people are standing up, where communities are working together, and where the power of art and culture still moves hearts. If more people start to think like Fela — to want happiness not just for themselves but for everyone — then step by step, we can build a better society. It won’t be easy, but it’s a dream worth fighting for.