Falling Uphill: A Podcast

To mainstream elements in the neighboring countries of Nigeria and Benin, the Kalakuta Republic, musician Fela Kuti's commune, was off-limits and the subject of rumors and innuendo. Raised in the Celestial Church of Christ, but inspired by the sounds of high life, juju, funk, and rhythm and blues - and Afrobeat - the genre that Fela Kuti revolutionized, Leon Ligan-Majek taught himself the guitar and crossed the border into Nigeria from Benin as a teenager. He took shelter in the only place he knew that offered the musical opportunities he was seeking, not to mentione room and board, the Lagos branch of Celestial. But eventually he would decide to enter Kalakuta.  Produced by Matt Elzweig Story Told by Leon Ligan-Majek: Leon Ligan-Majek, or Kaleta as he’s known to his fans, got his start as a guitarist for King Sunny Ade and Fela Kuti in Nigeria. Originally from Benin, he’s been living in New York for decades and tours the country with several bands including Zozo Afrobeat, which he leads, as well as Akoya, a