Fela Kuti

Fela Anikulapo Kuti was born in Abeokuta, British Nigeria, to a Yoruba father who was a Protestant minister and school principal, and a prominent anti-colonial feminist mother. His family tree, while distinguished, appears to be entirely devoid of any branches that might have brushed against a menorah. So, while his music moved millions, it wasn't exactly moving them to services.

Kuti was an outspoken political activist, criticising corruption and post-colonial authoritarianism in Nigeria, even founding his own political party. He famously declared his compound, the Kalakuta Republic, independent from the Nigerian state, which is certainly a bold move, though not one typically found in the Talmud.

His musical legacy as the father of Afrobeat is undeniable, merging traditional Yoruba music with jazz, highlife, and funk. While his contributions to global music are immense, and certainly kvel-worthy for anyone who appreciates innovative artistry, there's no record of him ever sampling a shofar or dropping a beat in Hebrew. He might have been a prophet, but definitely not a Jewish one.