From Fela Kuti to Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead – the story of music manager Rikki Stein

“Rikki Stein: The Manager Who Brought Fela Kuti, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead to Global Fame”

Rikki Stein is a name celebrated in music circles for his groundbreaking work with iconic artists such as Fela Kuti, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead. Known for his talent in elevating diverse musical voices, Stein’s career spanned cultures, continents, and musical genres. His story reflects not only the power of music in uniting people but also his role in introducing audiences to revolutionary new sounds and ideas.

Stein’s journey as a manager began in the UK, but he soon ventured far from home, developing a deep connection with African music. His early fascination with African rhythms eventually led him to Nigeria, where he met Fela Kuti, the iconic founder of Afrobeat. At the time, Kuti was already a legendary figure in West Africa, blending traditional African sounds with elements of jazz, funk, and highlife. But Kuti’s music was more than entertainment; it carried powerful political messages, often criticizing Nigeria’s government and advocating for human rights. Stein, sensing the unique impact of Kuti’s music, took on the role of his manager, helping to introduce Afrobeat to global audiences.

Kuti and Stein’s partnership was both productive and challenging. Kuti’s outspoken views frequently put him at odds with the Nigerian government, resulting in arrests and conflicts that Stein often had to navigate. Working with Kuti, Stein wasn’t only managing an artist—he was supporting a movement. Their collaboration brought Afrobeat to international stages and established Kuti as a global symbol of resistance. Thanks to Stein’s efforts, Fela Kuti’s music became a lasting voice for social justice that resonates around the world.

After working with Kuti, Stein continued to manage artists who pushed musical boundaries, including rock legend Jimi Hendrix. Though their working relationship wasn’t as direct as Stein’s with Kuti, he greatly admired Hendrix’s bold creativity and ability to see sound in color. Hendrix’s synesthesia—a condition in which sounds can be seen as colors—fascinated Stein, who saw Hendrix as a visionary with an almost otherworldly relationship to music. Like Kuti, Hendrix constantly challenged conventions, pioneering the use of effects like distortion and feedback to create the distinctive tones that defined his sound.

Stein’s roster also included The Grateful Dead, whose experimental and improvisational style captivated audiences across America and beyond. The Dead, known for their fusion of rock, folk, and psychedelic influences, had a devoted fanbase who embraced music as a form of spiritual exploration and social unity. Managing The Grateful Dead brought Stein into a new world of countercultural music, further shaping his career as a promoter of artists who defied traditional norms.

Over the years, Stein became known for his dedication to artists who used music to question societal structures and foster change. His management career was less about commercial success than about amplifying voices that challenged, inspired, and united. To Stein, music was more than an industry; it was a medium for empathy and understanding.

Today, Rikki Stein’s legacy lives on as a reminder of the power of music to connect cultures and advocate for change. His contributions helped transform the global music landscape, shaping how audiences around the world connect with diverse musical traditions, social messages, and groundbreaking sounds. Through Stein, artists like Fela Kuti, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead became enduring legends, leaving a mark on listeners and the industry alike.