Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s iconic track “Let’s Start” is the soundtrack of Apple Inc.’s launch of its new MacBook Air M5. The track provides a racy soundtrack to the unveiling, reflecting the lasting impact of Fela’s music on culture and creativity.
A Fusion of Afrobeat and Innovation
Apple’s MacBook Air M5 incorporates the company’s latest M5 chip, delivering faster processing, enhanced multimedia performance, and improved efficiency. The inclusion of “Let’s Start” emphasises creativity, pairing cutting-edge technology with the energy and rhythm of Fela’s music.
The advert opens with the introduction of “Let’s Start” as the MacBook Air M5 is placed on a table with a user operating it. As the track plays continuously in the background, key specifications appear on the laptop’s display screen.
The visuals highlight:
- Up to nine times faster AI performance
- Up to eighteen hours of battery life
- A base configuration starting at sixteen gigabytes of unified memory
- Five hundred and twelve gigabytes of storage
The music runs throughout the video, providing a steady rhythm as the device’s features are presented.
The Legacy of “Let’s Start”
Recorded live in 1971 with his band Africa ’70 and featuring British drummer Ginger Baker, “Let’s Start” was the opening piece of his acclaimed album Live!. The track is widely recognised for blending jazz, funk, and traditional African rhythms.
Renewed Global Recognition
The track gained renewed international recognition when it was included in the trailer and soundtrack of the 2021 Netflix film The Harder They Fall starring Idris Elba and Regina King.
Its use in the film introduced Fela’s music to a new generation of listeners, while digital streaming platforms amplified its reach worldwide.
Influence on Contemporary Nigerian Artistes
Fela’s music has profoundly influenced contemporary Nigerian artistes, including:
- Burna Boy
- Wizkid
- Davido
- Rema
- Tems
His groundbreaking style of Afrobeat has influenced modern music, using strong rhythms, clear horn sections, and engaging lyrics.
A Grammy-Honoured Legacy
Decades after his passing, Fela Kuti became the first African artiste to be awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his legacy as a cultural and musical innovator.
A Timeless Global Influence
Featuring “Let’s Start” in a major technology launch highlights Fela’s enduring influence. His music continues to inspire audiences and artistes worldwide, demonstrating the timeless power of Afrobeat and its global relevance today.
Leave a comment