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Apple Inc. has introduced its latest MacBook Air powered by the new M5 chip, pairing the product launch with the iconic sound of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s 1971 track “Let’s Start.”
The tech giant revealed the updated laptop on Tuesday, releasing a promotional video across its digital platforms featuring the Afrobeat classic as its soundtrack.
The launch video, shared via Apple’s official YouTube channel and social media pages, highlights the MacBook Air’s improved speed, enhanced processing power and ultra-slim design.
As visuals showcase the device’s sleek build and upgraded capabilities, Fela’s energetic horns and rhythmic groove provide a vibrant musical backdrop, blending innovation with cultural legacy.
“Let’s Start” originally appeared on the live album Live!, recorded in London by Fela and his band Africa ’70 in collaboration with renowned British drummer Ginger Baker.
The recording played a significant role in shaping the Afrobeat movement, a genre Fela pioneered by fusing jazz, highlife and traditional African rhythms with pointed political and social commentary.
Industry observers note that Apple’s decision to use the track introduces Fela’s music to a broader global audience. Apple’s product unveilings typically generate millions of views across its website, Apple Music and social media platforms.
Featuring “Let’s Start” in such a high-profile campaign not only amplifies the song but also draws renewed attention to Fela’s wider catalogue, including celebrated works like “Zombie,” “Water No Get Enemy” and “Expensive Shit.”
The renewed spotlight on Fela’s artistry follows a landmark moment earlier this year when he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by The Recording Academy.
The honour made him the first African artiste to receive the prestigious recognition, cementing his enduring global influence nearly three decades after his death in 1997.
This is not the first time “Let’s Start” has gained international exposure in recent years. The song featured prominently in the 2021 western film The Harder They Fall, produced by Jay-Z and directed by Jeymes Samuel.
The film, which starred Idris Elba, Regina King and other Hollywood actors, introduced Afrobeat to new audiences through its dynamic soundtrack.
Apple’s choice reflects a growing trend of global brands embracing African music and culture in mainstream campaigns. By aligning its cutting-edge technology with Fela’s revolutionary sound, Apple bridges past and present, innovation and heritage.
The pairing underscores the timeless quality of Afrobeat and its continued resonance across generations and industries.
Fela, widely regarded as the father of Afrobeat, built a legacy that transcended music. Known for his fearless activism and outspoken criticism of political corruption, he used his art as a platform for change.
Decades later, his influence remains palpable, not only in contemporary African music but also in global pop culture.
With the MacBook Air M5 campaign, Apple has once again demonstrated the power of music in storytelling, while contributing to the preservation and global celebration of one of Africa’s most influential musical pioneers.
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