From Genetic Romanticism to Afro-romanticism: Fela as an Agent of Social Change in Nigeria

Abstract

From time to time different individuals have changed the global ways of life. They confronted the system; subjected every belief to skepticism and dreamed of a new world. Some adopted behaviour, politics, Literature, Music and Fine Art to express their personal sentiment, which embodied the concept of Romanticism in the 19th century. This study therefore interpreted the revolutionary activities of Fela Kuti - a romantic of 20th Century who explored Music as a means of dissemination of his romantic philosophy. This study specifically used historical method by likening Romanticism in Literature to Romanticism in Music, from 19th Century Europe to 20th Century Africa through the period of colonialism and by proving that Romanticism can move from one generation to another. The study established that Romanticism often occurs as a result of quest for freedom and change; and this often leads to social problems, that Romanticism that manifested majorly in literature in the 19th century, now manifests majorly in films and music, and that Fela’s Romanticism is traceable to his mother’s Romanticism. This study has contributed to literature available on studies on Fela Kuti, Romanticism, Romanticism in Music, 19th Century European Literature, 20th Century Nigerian Music and Social Changes.