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Events on Saturday 2 August 1997 2
1914 – 1997William S. Burroughs (1914-1997)Died 2 August 1997, aged 83William S. Burroughs was an American writer and a central figure of the Beat Generation, best known for his novel Naked Lunch. His experimental cut-up writing techniques influenced generations of writers and musicians. He died in Lawrence, Kansas, of a heart attack.
1938 – 1997Fela Kuti (1938-1997)Died 2 August 1997, aged 58Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musician and political activist who created the Afrobeat genre, fusing jazz, funk, and traditional Yoruba music. His outspoken criticism of Nigeria's military governments led to repeated arrests and violent raids on his compound. He died of complications from AIDS in Lagos.