Apple's MacBook Air Campaign Features Fela Kuti's Classic 1971 Track
The global technology giant Apple has made a significant cultural statement by incorporating Fela Kuti's iconic 1971 song 'Let's Start' into its latest advertising campaign for the new MacBook M5 Air. This strategic move has generated widespread attention across social media platforms, with fans and observers celebrating the recognition of Afrobeat's pioneering figure.
Viral Social Media Response and Cultural Significance
The advertisement video has rapidly gained traction online, prompting enthusiastic responses from audiences worldwide. Many viewers have interpreted Apple's choice as a powerful testament to Fela Kuti's lasting influence on global music culture. The selection underscores how his artistic legacy continues to resonate across generations and geographical boundaries.
Financial Implications for the Fela Kuti Estate
Industry experts note that licensing a song from Apple, the world's second most valuable company, represents a substantial financial transaction. The licensing fee for 'Let's Start' will be directed to the rights holders, which according to streaming platform information appears to be the estate of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti under exclusive license to Kalakuta Sunrise Limited.
Historical Context of Fela Kuti's Music in Commercial Media
This is not the first high-profile commercial use of 'Let's Start.' The song previously appeared in the 2021 Netflix Western film 'The Harder They Fall,' demonstrating its continued relevance in contemporary media. Fela Kuti's catalog has seen numerous commercial applications over the years.
Notable examples include:
- The 2025 Oscar-nominated movie 'Sinners' featured 'Sorrow, Tears and Blood'
- The 2008 video game Grand Theft Auto IV incorporated 'Zombie'
- Multiple global artists have sampled his work, including J Cole, Burna Boy, NAS, Jay Z, Wyclef, Missy Elliot, and Wizkid
Commercial Value and Estate Management
The substantial revenue generated by Fela Kuti's music catalog was recently highlighted by his son, Grammy-nominated Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti, who mentioned receiving significant payments from his father's estate years after the musician's passing. This underscores the enduring commercial viability of Fela Kuti's artistic contributions.
The Apple advertisement represents another milestone in the commercial journey of Fela Kuti's music, demonstrating how his work continues to find new audiences and commercial applications decades after its creation. The collaboration between one of the world's leading technology companies and Nigeria's most iconic musical figure highlights the growing global appreciation for African cultural exports.
