October 2025

14 Music has a rare power: it can shift hearts, societies, and even history. Some artists don’t just make songs—they change the way we think about sound, identity, politics, or culture itself. Here are several musical icons from around the world whose influence continues to ripple through generations, inspiring millions. Bob Marley (Jamaica) Few musicians have defined both sound and spirit like Bob Marley. He helped bring reggae—and with it messages of unity, resistance, and hope—to a global audience. He didn’t just popu - larize reggae; he introduced listen - ers worldwide to Jamaican culture, Rastafari beliefs, and political truth in ways that transcended borders. Mar- ley’s songs like “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Redemption Song” remain an- thems for social justice movements. His legacy lives on in how global mu- sic embraces activism and authenticity. Fela Kuti (Nigeria) If you listen to Afrobeat today—its rhythm, its horns, its message—you’ll hear Fela Kuti’s influence all over. Fela invented a sound that blended jazz, funk, and traditional Nigerian music, and he used it to speak truth to power. His music wasn’t just for dancing; it was a form of protest. Even years after his passing, new musicians sample his grooves, cover his songs, and carry for- ward his willingness to address govern- ment corruption and personal freedoms. Icons Who Inspired Global Musicians That Changed the Game Photo from | New Yorker Photo from | RollingStone.com