The world stood still when news broke out on August 2, 1997 that Africa’s iconic musician, Fela had passed away.
Fela’s music was not only melodious but also used as a tool to comment on injustice and social ills. Many know about the advocacy part of Fela, only few people like Sandra Izsadore his lover and associate can recount the romantic side of this music icon.
Speaking on how she fell in love with Fela, Izsadore said:” I had a spiritual connection with Fela. When we first met,we maintained eye contact, looked into each other’s eyes .Fela was funny, confident and aggressive, aggressive not in a negative manner, but he was quick to tell me what I was going to do. The bond grew and It didn’t take me too long to say yes to him I had already made up my mind that an African man will teach me the African ways. It was easy for me to cope with him because he was very different” she said.
Sandra was Fela’s guide, teacher and lover. When asked about what exactly she taught him, Sandra said:” I thought Fela Pan Africanism ,the importance of using your music as a tool for change, you shouldn’t sing about frivolous things. You should sing about things that can enlighten someone. I think you should educate through music. Not only should you have joy in your music, but while you have the joy, you should be getting an education”.