Echoes of a
Revolutionary:
Jad Abumrad & Mádé Kuti on Fela’s Fire 

This original program—created by McCarter Theatre Center with additional support from the Princeton University Music Department—brings together journalism, storytelling, and live music in a powerful tribute to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. 

In a dynamic live event, Jad Abumrad, MacArthur Fellow and creator of Radiolab, joins forces with Afrobeat musician Mádé Kuti for an onstage exploration of Fela Kuti’s life, work, and enduring legacy. Through conversation, archival audio, immersive sound design, and projected visuals, Abumrad revisits insights from his acclaimed series Fela Kuti: Fear No Man—named the best podcast of 2025 by The New Yorker and The Guardian. 

Together, Abumrad and Kuti examine the world Fela built: his creation of Afrobeat through a fusion of jazz, funk, and highlife; his fearless opposition to political corruption; and the artistic and spiritual philosophy that continues to inspire movements across generations. At the heart of the evening is a question his life still poses: What is the true power of art—and what are its limits?

In the second half, conversation gives way to performance as Mádé Kuti brings these ideas to life through music inspired by his grandfather’s revolutionary sound. Channeling the urgency, rhythm, and expansive arrangements that defined Fela’s work, Kuti offers both homage and a contemporary voice—bridging past and present through live performance. 

Kuti performs with the Princeton University Afrobeat Ensemble, led by Olivier Tarpaga, Senior Lecturer in Music. One of the only ensembles of its kind on a U.S. university campus, the group brings together Princeton students and world-class guest artists to explore the urban and contemporary sounds of Africa—from the Afrobeat of Nigeria to the vibrant musical traditions of cities across the continent. 

More than a talk or concert, this multimedia event is a living tribute—an immersive experience that invites audiences to encounter Fela Kuti’s legacy as both history and a vital, evolving force. 

This performance is presented in recognition of the 30th anniversary of Fela Kuti’s death.