Strong Songs

The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad

17 snips
Nov 14, 2025
Jad Abumrad, a Peabody Award-winning podcaster known for his work on Radiolab, discusses his ambitious 12-part series on Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. He dives into the historical context and musical innovations that shaped Fela's legacy. Jad shares his journey from music composition to audio storytelling and reflects on how Fela's experiences in America influenced his sound. They explore the transformative atmosphere of Fela's Shrine in Lagos and how his music served as a political weapon, enchanting audiences while addressing pressing social issues.
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INSIGHT

Finding A Radio Voice

  • Jad found combining voice and music in radio both terrifying and like coming home, discovering the medium fulfilled his creative desires.
  • Speaking into a microphone required long practice before he found his authentic voice.
ANECDOTE

Radiolab's Hidden Apprenticeship

  • Radiolab's early years existed in near-obscurity on AM radio, sometimes forced off-air at 8 p.m., giving Jad space to learn his craft.
  • He later appreciated that those ignored years were crucial for finding his voice.
ADVICE

Structure Your Editing Workflow

  • Treat storytelling as a multi-stage process: research, structure, then obsess over final edits and sound.
  • Close the door for the final edit to refine timing, pauses, and the sonic 'music' of the piece.
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