Kalakuta Republic was both a commune and a recording studio established by Nigerian Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti. Known for his outspoken political views and music, Fela Kuti attracted a significant following. On this fateful day, a force of about a thousand soldiers stormed Kalakuta in a violent dawn raid. The military had grown increasingly intolerant of Fela's messages that criticized the Nigerian government, particularly under the repressive regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. The armed forces were reportedly motivated by the need to silence dissenting voices that posed a threat to the ruling authorities. The raid resulted in severe violence, leading to looting, destruction of property, and chaos as soldiers confronted residents of the commune.The raid's wider implications involved the political landscape of Nigeria at that time. Fela Kuti’s mother, Funmilayo Anikulapo Kuti, a notable women's rights activist, and Fela's lifelong supporter, was injured during the chaos. She succumbed to her injuries shortly after the incident. This tragic loss not only devastated Fela but also galvanized public sentiment against the oppressive government, with many viewing the raid as a critical moment in the struggle for civil rights in Nigeria. In the aftermath, Fela's music became more symbolic of resistance, and his persona was further elevated in the context of political activism.