I had the great good fortune to marry a Fela fan. We went to see him play at the Greek Theatre many, many moons ago. Jimmy Cliff opened. It was an evening of sublime, grooving, wonderful music. Fela's music is African grooves, call and response, guitar-laden, anti-government 20-minute long songs sung in the language spoken in Nigeria (which I can't remember the name of right at this minute).
I can compare him to King Sunny Ade, but Fela had more of an edge; King Sunny's music is more pop-oriented and lighter. (Although I nearly danced myself sick at his concert.)
I can't tell you what album to start with, but definitely get a record and listen. Youi will find yourself moving to it, cursing the Nigerian government in a language you didn't know you knew.