”Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense” is the theme of this year’s 11th edition of Fela Debate which held at Neca Hall, Ikeja Lagos on Monday, with speakers such as Professor Akin Oyebode, Chimamanda Adichie, Uganda’s lawmaker Bobi Wine and British musician, Kingsley James McLean Daley, better known as Akala speaking to guests and lovers of the music maestro from all walks of life. Creative writer, Sefi Atta moderated the event.
Professor of Law, Akin Oyebode stated that Fela was an Avatar who took on himself the task of decolonizing the African mind, a scorpion in the consciousness of the elites, and even though the legend is late, his good ideas cannot be destroyed. Oyebode further stated that Fela’s music is indelible and indestructible.
Also addressing the issue of the recent viral BBC Sex For Grades investigative report, the professor said there’s a Yoruba adage that states that ”we are all thieves, only those caught are the criminals”.
37 year old Ugandan musician turned politician Ssentamu Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine, said he grew up reading Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka’s books, listening to Chaka Chaka, Lucky Dube.
The activist revealed that he learnt about Fela from a friend not from mainstream media, while also stating that Fela was the revolutionary that influenced him the most.
Bobi Wine who used to sing for the purpose of entertainment, said he changed his music genre by using his songs to address social ills after getting to know about Fela’s music. This, the politician says led to his music and concert being banned in Uganda.
Music is the most powerful tool of communication, he added.
British rapper, journalist, author and activist Kingsley James McLean Daley better known as Akala said those who are of African descent are taught very little about African history, and that people are able to do what they needed to do when they haven’t swallowed all the nonsense they are taught through western education.
During a one- on-one conversation with Chimamanda Adichie, The head of the Kuti family, Yemisi Ransome Kuti asked the award winning author and writer a few questions:
Yemisi: In what way has Fela influenced your view of Africa?
Chimamanda: There’s nothing more meaningful than to share space with women who have achieved a lot and still have grace in how they comport themselves. She also said when she first read Wole Soyinka’s ”Ake”, a memoir and learnt about the first woman to drive a car, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, who was an activist, it influenced her in a good way.
Adichie added that her brother Chucks who was always playing Fela’s music, made her know most of his songs. Fela represents unapologetic courage, authenticity and pedigree.
Yemisi: Will you consider yourself an activist?
Chimamanda: No Bobi is the real activist.
Yemisi: Has there been areas you find challenging in feminism?
Chimamanda: My writing has given me a platform to talk about what I care about and I measure progress in incremental terms. If I’m able to change a person’s mind, I’ve made progress.
Yemisi: About ”Teacher don’t teach me Nonsense”, migrants are encouraged to give up their culture to gain acceptance, what is your view and advice to cultural diaspora?
Chimamanda: I’m a Nigerian who lives in the U.S. and in Nigeria as well. We don’t really matter. It’s left for us to make that change. Their foreign policy doesn’t reflect that we matter. China and India for example matter to them. Having self confidence comes from knowing where you are from and your history. Know that despite our flaws, every nation has flaws. History should be taught in schools because we do not know our culture. These days, people parade their ignorance and think it is fine. there are certain entitlements that westerners think they have.
I was once asked in an interview in France whether Nigeria has a bookshop.
As regards the political landscape, flooding in Lagos is a major issue.We are not long term thinkers.It’s almost as though we’ve forgotten how to be ashamed, with refuse piling everywhere and blocking the drainage, leading to flooding. Nigerians are very confident but we do not apply the confidence where it is needed. When the government is stealing our money, we stay mute, there’s something dead in us.
