1954

On a visit to Lagos, Fela meets Jimo Kombi Braimah, known to everyone as JK, who will become his life-long friend and confidant. Three years older than Fela, JK is an occasional singer with trumpeter Victor Olaiya’s popular highlife band, the Cool Cats. JK introduces Fela to the Lagos music scene and, inspired by Olaiya and the American jazz records he hears in clubs, Fela starts learning the trumpet. Years later, Fela describes JK as “the most important man in my life.” (In 2019, JK is living quietly in London).

Fela Kuti, J Collins and J.K.Braimah filming Black President, Abeokuta.Circa:1977

Fela Kuti, J Collins and J.K.Braimah filming Black President, Abeokuta. Circa:1977