Fela Kuti manager Rikki Stein publishes memoir

Published on 4 June by Wordville, the memoir explores his six-decade career, providing insights into his experiences with music legends like Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, The Animals, Bobi Wine and The Grateful Dead.

“After 60 years of carrying some of the world’s most gifted artists around the world, I’ve written it all down in these, my memoirs,” Stein said ahead of the book’s arrival. “Hoping you enjoy the read as much as I’ve enjoyed the write!”

A blurb about the book reads: “Always in the right place at the right time, Rikki was part of the great countercultural moments of the last century, from Woodstock and the Vietnam War Moratorium March to the launch of Glastonbury Festival … Rikki’s journey is also a spiritual one, forged by his experience of living among the community of Musicians of Joujouka, Morocco, who remain a key connection in his life to this day.”

The book is also described as “full of extraordinary, sometimes hilarious, stories of life on the road” and “recounts the joys, frustrations and surprises of juggling logistics, local politics and the whims of his creative clients to deliver true moments of moving music.”

Stein reflects on key milestones such as co-managing Fela with the late Francis Kertekian. He describes his 1982 trip to Nigeria for a concert at Lagos Stadium as “being thrown in the deep end”. He also pays tribute to Algerian musician and activist Rachid Taha, whose music condemned racism. 

Born in London, UK, Stein managed Fela Kuti from 1983 until his death in 1997. Since then, he’s worked to preserve Fela’s legacy by repackaging his albums and promoting his sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, through Kalakuta Sunrise Ltd.

Stein’s activities during the 1980s centred around African performance, as he arranged tours for musicians from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa and Burundi to play around the globe. He also took on the management of Guinea’s Les Ballet Africains from 1988 to 2000. Additionally, he contributed to the executive team of Glastonbury Festival from 1981 to 1990, and has provided consultancy to the All Africa Music Awards.

Moving Music: The Memoirs of Rikki Stein is available for purchase here.