Carhartt WIP x Fela Kuti Capsule Collection

For Spring/Summer 2019, Carhartt WIP pays tribute to the radical Nigerian musician and political figure Fela Anikupalo Kuti. 

Known for pioneering the musical genre afrobeat, his politically-charged lyrics as well as being a perennial political agitator and human rights activist through his highly charged lyrics and cover art, Fela Kuti was one of the most powerful cultural figures in Africa during the 70s and 80s.

A less obvious symbol of Fela's revolutionary proclivity was his fashion sense. His clothing choices were not only an expression of good taste and bravado, but also a conspicuous rejection of Western ideals. Fela's sartorial choices were a mirror of his political views, equally forthright and expressive, and a reminder that fashion can be a form of protest. 

Today, the influence of his idiosyncratic sound can de found across a host of contemporary music spheres: there are samples in tracks by the likes of Missy Elliot, Nas and Pete Rock, House duo Masters at Work's ''Tribute to Fela'' EP, it also appears in the work of multifaceted DJs such as Rush Hour's Antal and Hunee, as well as the electric piano nuances of Kamaal Williams's work.

The Carhartt WIP x Fela Kuti capsule collection that takes inspiration from Fela Kuti's vibrant album artwork, such as his 1975 release ''Expensive Shit,'' while also incorporating references to tracks like ''Ye Ye De Smell' and the recording "Live in Detroit 1986.'' These motifs are applied across a range of pieces, from graphic t-shirts and bucket hats, to shirts and caps. To accompany the collection, the out of print ''Live in Detroit 1986'' album will also be re-released on vinyl, limited to 500 copies.

The Spring/Summer 2019 Fela Kuti capsule collection will be available instore and online from April 4th.