Fela’s ex-band manager, Baba Ani recalls relationship with late musician

By Damilola Akinwale –

Popular baritone saxophonist, Lekan Animashaun, widely known as Baba Ani, has recalled his relationship with Afrobeats pioneer Fela Kuti while working as his bandleader.

Baba Ani, who served as the musical director of several of Fela’s bands, spoke during a recent interview with The Podcast Network.

He disclosed that Fela treated him like a senior brother rather than an employee, expressing how much he misses him. Speaking about their fondness for each other, he added, “In all Fela’s songs, I don’t see which one I don’t like”.

Speaking about Fela’s career, Baba Ani confirmed that Fela could read and score music. “Oh yes, it is true. It is difficult to find someone who could read music in Fela’s band,” he said.

He further disclosed that he never got the chance to speak with Fela before his death, stating that he died after he was taken to the hospital.

Baba Ani said after the Afrobeat icon’s death in 1997, he continued to mentor Seun Kuti, Fela’s son, for 19 years before leaving the band in 2016.

Baba Ani had previously claimed that he was banned from entering the Fela Shrine by his son, Femi, because he chose to stay with his brother, Seun, instead. However, the family later dismissed his claims, stating that it was an attempt to cause a division in the family.

Baba Ani was part of Africa 70, the band formed in the late 1960s that played a central role in shaping Fela’s Afrobeat sound, which marked a major development in African music.