Clifford Uwuoruya
His study looks beyond Fela as merely a musician, positioning him instead as a vernacular intellectual.
One of Africa’s most prominent and trailblazing musicians of the 20th century, Fela Anikulapo Kuti left an indelible mark on millions of people across the world, pioneering today’s world-renowned Afrobeat genre.
Fela also produced deep social and political critiques from within the popular domain, inspiring generations of musicians - as well as academic research.
“Beyond the typical biographical or musical analysis, I wanted to explore how Fela Kuti functioned as a vernacular intellectual in postcolonial Nigeria.
"The study positions his music as a vital source of sociological insight and cultural critique within an African-centred intellectual tradition,” said Uwuoruya.
Research study
Uwuoruya used Critical Discourse Analysis on selected songs, complemented by interviews with key figures connected to Fela Kuti, including one of Fela’s sons (Seun Kuti), former manager, and renowned Nigerian authors and scholars who are admirers of Fela’s Afrobeat music, and shared close relations to the musician.
The findings reveal that Fela’s work functioned as a sustained critique of colonial and postcolonial power structures within Nigeria.
“His music not only exposed systemic injustices but also contributed to reimagining Nigerian and African identities, positioning him as both a cultural icon and a political actor with considerable intellectual influence,” said Uwuoruya.
The study also found that this impact strongly emerged in the interview narratives, highlighting how he inspired the agency and intellectual citizenship of the participants.
Uwuoruya’s research gains significance against the gradual de-intellectualisation of African knowledge, in favour of the more domineering Eurocentric framework which is often the status quo.
“One of the brutal effects of colonialism - which vestiges we still feel - is the marginalisation of non-Western, particularly African, sources of knowledge,” Uwuoruya said.
This study, as well as other important studies particularly in the areas of feminism and gender studies, is a way for us to reclaim and celebrate the rich intellectual tradition of continent. This is not just an academic endeavour, but a humanist one.”
Personal life
Born in Benin City, Edo Sate in Nigeria, Uwuoruya or “Cliff”, as he is affectionately known, fondly recalls being introduced to Fela’s music through his father’s musical collection.
“His music gave us boldness, and we saw ourselves in the lyrics of his songs.
"So, Fela was a big part of my socialisation long before I decided to critically appraise his music,” said Uwuoruya, who is also a musician.
He completed his primary and secondary schooling in Lagos State, before earning a double honours degree in Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Benin.
Keen to further his studies outside of this home country, Uwuoruya’s uncle suggested Nelson Mandela University.
“The moment, I heard the name, I knew that was where I wanted to be – an institution carrying the Mandela name was all it took to convince me to come to South Africa, where I would then complete all my postgraduate qualifications, from honours to doctoral level,” he said.
PhD
Uwuoruya recalls the arduous journey to his PhD, crediting both supervisors Professor Babalwa Magoqwana and Professor Nomalanga Mkhize, whose mentorship shaped him intellectually, grounding him as a human being beyond scholarship.
He also credits his wife, Kara Uwuoruya as a constant rock and support during the whole journey, as well as his peers for the constant source of encouragement and support.
“I faced real challenges along the way. My doctorate was self-funded, so I had to work full-time to be able to afford my tuition and upkeep, while also pursuing my PhD full-time. Time management was key,” he said.
“I also had visa issues which led me to place the study on abeyance for two years before I finally received my renewed visa and continued. I just want to emphasise that a PhD is not a solitary effort, you need a community of people to complete the journey.”
Future plans
Having worked for the University’s Engagement Office, under Dr Bruce Damons since 2023, Uwuoruya’s ideal professional role would be where he can continue as a community engagement practitioner.
“My time at the Engagement Office has changed how I view the University - not as a monolithic entity, but as a space of diverse roles and possibilities,” he said.