Fela Kuti’s “Beast of No Nation” is a musical masterpiece and a profound cultural emblem of resistance against repression and corruption. Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician renowned for his revolutionary stance and musical ingenuity, crafted a work that transcends the boundaries of time and geography, striking a chord with contemporary global struggles. His album, a potent blend of Afrobeat rhythms and incisive political commentary, remains relevant today, especially when viewed against the United Nations’ (UN) ongoing challenges in addressing modern conflicts and human rights issues.
Fela Kuti’s Revolutionary Music and Global Resonance
Fela was often hailed as the pioneer of the Afrobeat genre, and he used his music as a platform to voice the frustrations and aspirations of a post-colonial African society. “Beast of No Nation”, released in 1989, was a scathing indictment of the political and social injustices that plagued his native Nigeria and, by extension, much of the African continent. The album’s title track, with its hard-hitting lyrics and infectious beats, became an anthem for those oppressed by autocratic regimes, resonating with the experiences of millions across the continent.
However, the significance of “Beast of No Nation” extends far beyond the African context. It serves as a mirror reflecting the struggles faced by the UN in upholding its charter’s fundamental principles of justice, human rights, and international law. The UN, formed after the Second World War, was envisioned as a beacon of hope, a global body that would safeguard against the horrors of war and oppression. Yet, decades later, the organisation frequently finds itself mired in controversy, often criticised for its inability to effectively address the issues it was created to resolve.
Fela’s music, with its unflinching critique of corruption and abuse of power, offers a poignant parallel to the contemporary predicaments of the UN. The organisation’s challenges in dealing with crises, from the Syrian civil war to the Rohingya refugee crisis, echo the themes of Fela’s work. His relentless pursuit of justice and his bold confrontation of governmental malfeasance mirror the ideals the UN strives to achieve.
Fela Kuti’s Music: A Mirror to Post-Colonial African Challenges
Fela Kuti’s music, particularly his seminal album “Beast of No Nation”, serves as a profound narrative of the enduring patterns of repression and exploitation in post-colonial Africa. His lyrics, steeped in political activism, provide a stark reflection of the deep scars left by colonialism, the emergence and entrenchment of dictatorial regimes, and the relentless exploitation of Africa’s rich resources.
Fela did not merely sing about the problems of his time; he delved into the historical roots of these issues. His music pointed to the lingering impacts of colonial rule – how European powers, despite leaving the political scene, had left behind a legacy of division, corruption, and power imbalances. Fela’s songs often highlighted how these colonial legacies paved the way for the rise of autocratic leaders who, rather than breaking free from the shackles of the past, frequently perpetuated a cycle of oppression and exploitation.
Fela’s poignant critique extended to the exploitation of Africa’s resources. He underscored how Africa’s wealth in minerals, oil, and natural resources became a curse rather than a blessing, leading to external intervention, internal corruption, and violent conflicts. His music lamented how the wealth that could have been used to elevate the lives of Africans was instead fuelling greed, both within the continent and beyond.
The UN’s Shortcomings and Parallel Challenges
In Fela’s work, these themes of exploitation and authoritarianism find modern reflections in the United Nations’ challenges in addressing conflicts and human rights abuses across Africa. Notably, the UN’s failure in preventing the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 stands as a stark reminder of its limitations. Despite early warnings and clear signs of impending disaster, the international body was unable to prevent one of the most horrific massacres of the 20th century. Similarly, the ongoing crisis in Darfur, Sudan, with its complex interplay of ethnic conflict, resource competition, and human rights abuses, further underscores the UN’s struggles in effectively intervening in regional conflicts.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) further exemplifies these issues. The DRC, with its immense natural wealth, has been embroiled in conflict for decades, a situation exacerbated by both internal governance issues and external interests. While significant, the UN’s peacekeeping efforts in the region have often been criticised for their limited impact and the inability to address the root causes of the conflict. This mirrors Fela’s observations on how external and internal forces collude to perpetuate cycles of exploitation and violence.
The UN’s Approach to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Echoing Fela’s Critique
The UN’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been a subject of intense debate and criticism. While the organisation is mandated to uphold international law and protect human rights, its actions in this conflict have often been perceived as falling short of these ideals. Critics argue that the UN’s approach needs to be more cautious, striving for neutrality that sometimes translates into inaction or ineffective responses to the crisis. This echoes Fela Kuti’s critique of political leaders who, through their actions or inactions, prioritise their interests or the maintenance of a status quo over the urgent welfare and rights of the people.
Just as Fela Kuti criticised the leaders of his time for their corrupt practices and disregard for human rights, the UN has faced similar criticisms regarding its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Allegations of bias, either in favour of Israel or Palestine, have surfaced repeatedly, alongside concerns about the organisation’s ability to mediate or influence positive outcomes in the conflict effectively. The resignation of a UN official like Mokhiber can be seen as a symptom of these deeper issues, reflecting frustration with the system’s shortcomings and the challenges of navigating a highly politicised environment.
The most significant parallel between Fela’s music and the UN’s approach to this conflict is the impact on civilian lives. Fela’s work highlighted the plight of the oppressed and marginalised, drawing attention to the human cost of political corruption and failure. Similarly, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its long history of violence and human rights violations, presents a scenario where the human cost is immense. The UN’s struggle to effectively address this aspect of the conflict – to protect civilians and advocate for their rights – resonates with Fela’s emphasis on the human element in political struggles.
Broader Implications: UN’s Global Challenges and Political Dynamics
The UN’s actions and inactions are not just confined to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but are indicative of broader challenges. In regions like Myanmar, where the Rohingya crisis persists, and in Yemen, suffering from a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, the UN’s limited influence and political constraints demonstrate the gap between its ideals and the realities of global politics. This gap echoes Fela’s observations on the post-colonial African experience, where lofty ideals often clash with the harsh realities of governance and international relations.
The UN’s struggle with political conspiracy and moral abandonment is starkly reflected in its handling of various global crises. Instances like the peacekeeping failures in Bosnia and Somalia in the 1990s and the controversy surrounding the UN’s role in the 2010 Haiti cholera outbreak underline the organisation’s challenges in living up to its mission. In 2023, rising tensions among major powers, notably between Russia, China, and Western countries, have led to a shrinking space for multilateral cooperation. This is particularly evident in the UN Security Council’s slow and indecisive response to various crises, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the collapse of Sudan in April 2023. The UN’s peacekeeping missions in Africa, particularly Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have faced significant challenges. In Mali, the government demanded the withdrawal of the UN Stabilisation Mission (MINUSMA), highlighting the limitations of the UN in the face of host government opposition. This has led to discussions about supporting African-led alternatives to UN peacekeeping. These situations mirror the themes in Fela’s music, where he decried the failure of leaders to protect their people.
The parallels between Fela Kuti’s “Beast of No Nation” and the current predicaments of the UN highlight an ongoing global struggle for human rights and justice. Fela’s legacy as a voice against repression continues to inspire and challenge the international community. The UN must adapt and strengthen its approach to embody its founding principles better. With its timeless appeal, Fela’s music is a powerful reminder of the need for relentless advocacy and action in pursuing a just and equitable world.