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, and Super Yamba Band. He his own label, Afrobeatology, as well, and has played, toured and recorded with Lauryn Hill.  MUSIC "Maccary Bay" Kevin MacLeod "Authority Stealing" Fela Kuti "Etienne Cakpo teaches drumming rhythms of Benin" "Egbe Mi O (Carry Me)" Fela Kuti "Eglise Protestante Methodiste du Benin: Chorale Cité De Grâce de Porto-Novo" "Ja Funmi - Live 1983" - King Sunny Ade "Oro Mi Ti Dayo" - Ebenezer Obey "Palm Wine Guitar Music (Awieye)" - Sammy Odoh "Makojo" - Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe  "King Sunny Ade Live 1-2" - King Sunny Ade "Ball of Confusion" - The Temptations "AFRICA 70 - Let's Start" - Fela Kuti, Africa 70 & Ginger Baker "Je'nwi Teni (Don't Gag Me)" - Fela Kuti "The Illusion" - Ikebe Shakedown "Gentleman" - Fela Kuti "Open and Close (1981)" - Fela Kuti & Africa 70 "Shakara" - Fela Kuti "V.I.P" - Fela Kuti "Opposite People" - Fela Kuti  "Midja" (unreleased) - Zozo Afrobeat SOUND "Fela Under Siege" "Fela Anikulapo Kuti Live At The Shrine 1987; introducing the show and yabbis" Freesound.org: alexbird, LittleRobotSoundFactory, NoiseCollector, signtoast