1982

With no international record deal and an economic recession gripping Nigeria, this is a difficult year for Fela. To make it worse, Decca wins a 120,000 naira judgement against him for the occupation of its offices during summer 1978, in a protest over unpaid royalties. The government declares the area around the Afrika Shrine a “danger zone,” an effort to deter people from attending the club. Close to penury, Fela is approached by a new, European-based management team, who secure a recording deal with Fela’s old label EMI.

1982