There are some interesting developments between Nigeria and Algeria in respect of Saint Augustine and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430A.D), of the present day Algeria, has been described as the greatest thinker to have come out of Africa whereas Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a Nigerian, has been described as the greatest musician to have come out of Africa.
One of the names given to Fela by his fans is Augustine because of his protruding head. In Yoruba language, a protruding head is known as OGO. Fela is called Ogostine anglicised and so the nickname AUGUSTINE.
Fela was born in 1938, the year the Augustinian monks came to settle in Nigeria precisely in Jos where you have the Augustinian Seminary and the Augustinian Monastery.
Saint Augustine and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti have both been described as Philanderers and philosophers. Saint Augustine was a Priest and Fela a self-proclaimed Chief Priest.
Saint Augustine’s mother has been described as the Patron Saint of Mothers and Fela’s Mother has described as an icon of the struggle of Nigerian women and the Mother of Africa.
Saint Augustine and Fela both died in the month of August. Saint Augustine died on August 28 –77 days before his birthday – while Fela died on August 2 – 74 days before his birthday.
