Apple has once again blended technology and culture in an unexpected way. The tech giant recently unveiled its new MacBook Air powered by the M5 chip, and the promotional video has captured global attention, not just for the device’s performance but for its soundtrack.
The launch video features ‘Let’s Start’, a 1971 Afrobeat classic by Nigerian music legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The unexpected pairing of cutting-edge technology with one of Afrobeat’s foundational records quickly sparked conversations online, with many viewers celebrating the continued global influence of Fela’s music decades after it was first recorded.
The promotional clip, which began circulating widely across social media platforms this week, highlights the capabilities of the new MacBook Air M5 while the energetic rhythm of the track plays in the background. For many observers, the moment represents a powerful meeting point between African cultural heritage and modern global innovation.
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A Fusion of Afrobeat and Modern Technology
Apple’s MacBook Air M5 introduces the company’s newest silicon chip, promising improved performance and efficiency for creative workflows. The promotional video showcases the device performing several tasks while graphics highlight its key features.
According to Apple, the new model delivers up to nine times faster AI performance, making it particularly attractive for designers, filmmakers, programmers, and digital creators who rely on high-speed processing. The laptop also boasts an 18-hour battery life, allowing users to work longer without needing to recharge.
Other specifications revealed during the launch include a base configuration of 16GB of unified memory and 512GB of storage, reinforcing the MacBook Air’s positioning as a powerful yet lightweight device designed for professionals and creatives.
While these features are central to Apple’s announcement, the soundtrack quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the launch. The use of Fela’s ‘Let’s Start’ adds an energetic and distinctive tone to the advertisement, blending Afrobeat rhythms with the sleek visuals of Apple’s product presentation.
The Lasting Global Influence of Fela Kuti
Released in 1971, ‘Let’s Start’ was recorded live by Fela Kuti and his band, Africa ’70, alongside the legendary British drummer, Ginger Baker. The track appeared on the album Live! and remains one of the early recordings that helped define Fela’s revolutionary Afrobeat sound.
More than five decades later, the song continues to reach new audiences. Its inclusion in Apple’s MacBook Air campaign highlights the enduring cultural and commercial relevance of Fela’s catalogue.
Industry observers note that licensing a track for a major global campaign from a company like Apple can significantly expand a song’s reach. Apple’s product launches are viewed by millions of people worldwide across YouTube, Apple’s website, and multiple social media platforms.
This is not the first time ‘Let’s Start’ has appeared in major entertainment projects. The track previously gained renewed international attention after being featured in the 2021 Netflix Western, The Harder They Fall, starring Idris Elba and Regina King. Over the years, Fela’s music has also appeared in films, video games, and commercial productions, introducing his work to new generations of listeners.
Beyond licensing deals, Fela’s influence continues to shape contemporary music. Modern Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Tems have all drawn inspiration from the Afrobeat pioneer’s sound, rhythm structures, and socially conscious themes.
Fela Kuti, who passed away in 1997, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential musicians. His fusion of jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional African rhythms created a genre that would eventually inspire the global Afrobeats movement dominating today’s music scene.
The appearance of his music in Apple’s MacBook Air launch campaign serves as yet another reminder that Afrobeat’s roots remain deeply embedded in global pop culture.
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A Cultural Moment for African Music
For many fans, seeing Fela’s music featured in a major tech campaign reflects the continued global recognition of African creativity. It also highlights how classic recordings can remain culturally relevant decades after their release.
The viral reaction to the video demonstrates the power of music to bridge industries, connecting technology, storytelling, and cultural heritage in ways that resonate across audiences.
As global companies increasingly incorporate diverse cultural influences into their storytelling, moments like this continue to reinforce the worldwide impact of African music and artistry.
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