![1938](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12682-1.png)
1938
Olufela Olusegun Oludoton Ransome-Kuti - Fela - is born on 15 October in Abeokuta, a town fifty miles north of Lagos.
![1946](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12683-1.jpg)
1946
Fela begins learning the piano, encouraged by his father, who believes studying music is an essential part of a good education.
![1954](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12684-1.jpg)
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.
![1955](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12755.jpg)
1955
Fela’s father, Reverend Israel Ransome-Kuti, dies.
![1958](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12685-1.jpg)
1958
Fela leaves Abeokuta for London. His parents had hoped he would study to become a doctor but Fela is determined to continue with music.
![1959](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12686-1.jpg)
1959
Fela forms his first group, Fela Ransome-Kuti and His Highlife Rakers. The band record four sides for Melodisc, one of Britain’s first independent African and Caribbean music labels.
![1960](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12687.jpg)
1960
Fela disbands the Highlife Rakers and forms Koola Lobitos, which has a line-up of West African and Caribbean musicians.
![1961](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12729-1.jpg)
1961
Fela marries Remi. His first daughter, Yeni, is born.
![1962](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12730.jpg)
1962
Fela graduates from Trinity College of Music. His first son, Femi, is born.
![1963](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12731.jpg)
1963
Fela forms the first edition of the Fela Ransome-Kuti Quintet.
![1964](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12732.jpg)
1964
NBC hires Fela as a junior producer. Drummer Tony Allen joins his band.
![1965](https://d1rgjmn2wmqeif.cloudfront.net/h/12733-1.jpg)
1965
Fela is fired from NBC. He forms a second edition of Koola Lobitos.