Kalakuta Republic

  • Micronations
  • Founded 1970
  • Creator Fela Kuti
  • Dissolved 18 February 1977

Kalakuta Republic was a secessionist state within Nigeria that provided political asylum for musicians, friends and the extended family of popular afro-pop musician and activist Fela Kuti. Kuti founded his independent republic as a way of establishing freedom from the oppressive regime led by dictator Obasanjo who ruled Nigeria at the time. It was named after Calcutta, a prison cell in notorious Alagbon Close jail, where Kuti was held after one of his arrests. The republic enclosed Fela’s recording studio, entertainment outfit and a private clinic. However, on 18th February 1977, Kalakuta Republic was burned to the ground after an assault by armed government soldiers. In honor of Fela Kuti a museum bearing the name Kalakuta Museum was opened in Lagos on 15th October 2012.

News Kalakuta Republic

Fela and the Kalakuta Queens Goes Online

African musical theatre seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. In the last couple of years, African directors have exhibited keen interest in the genre. Nigeria’s Bolanle Austin-Peters with her Bolanle Austin-Peters productions (BAP) has, for instance, dedicated her theatrical practice to producing stunning musicals at her theatre, the Terra Kulture Arena since 2013.

The African Theatre Magazine | 26 Sep 2020

News Kalakuta Republic

Fela Anukulapo Kuti: Celebrating 20 Years of Memories

On this day 20 years ago, the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti passed away. Also known as ‘Abami Eda’, he was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, musician, composer and activist. Kuti, was born on October 15, 1938, at Abeokuta, Nigeria. He was also the pioneer of the modern style of music called Afro-beat, which merges American blues, jazz, and funk with traditional Yoruba music.

Omenka! | 2 Aug 2017

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Sealand

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