Fela Kuti was the James Brown of Africa and the creator of Afro-Beat. Fela was born in Nigeria in 1938. His impact on the music scene was unmistakable. His politically driving songs are so powerful. The lyrics spoke of the common troubles Africans faced. He wanted a better Africa, one where human rights were the focus and the freedom of democracy would reign supreme.
His sound is unmistakable, his voice powerful, his band, talented. You cannot help but be drawn in by the might and forcefulness found in his passionate singing. Many of his songs would go on for what seemed like hours, each brining you on a journey. Like the up swell of a wave, each song would rise and rise until it crested. It is at this point in which Fela would leash out with the prowess of commander in chief, taking on any subject he felt important to take on.
This song's prelude is close to 5 minutes. He cleverly starts in with only humming to set the melody. Once this is done he breaks into a call and response with the background singers. It's monotonous but captivating, building into something that will hit you over the head like a ton of bricks. That crash hits you at about 10 minutes with the whole band raising up to add the exclamation point to the song, which in turn closes it out leaving the message ringing in your head. Did I mention that I love the keyboards. They sound like they're coming from a Casio keyboard but man does it sound just right.
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Egypt 80 are playing together again including drummer Tony Allen, thanks to Seun Kuti (one of Fela's sons).
They're in France this summer (http://www.nuitsdefourviere.fr/2005/article.php3?id_article=40), maybe they will come in the US ?
To me one of the best track is 'Africa Center of the World', featuring Roy Ayers : 20 mn of pure afrobeat
Posted by: Sdc | April 14, 2005 at 04:59 AM
It's a great track. If you're a fan of Sharon Jones, then you probably already know about Antibalas, but in case you don't, they're a Brooklyn-based collective that has been keeping Fela's legacy alive with their extraordinary Afrobeat performances. See them live whenever you can, as they do that thing Fela does, building the groove gradually until it crescendos and you can't help but leap around while you absorb the righteous politics. Good stuff.
Posted by: Josh | March 14, 2005 at 07:57 AM
got turned on to felas amazing music last year...i love 'sorrow, tears and blood', which also could have been the song you just described! beautiful music. cheers!
Posted by: shine like stars | March 14, 2005 at 02:59 AM
Yeah that's some goooood stuff. One of the things I love about Fela's music is the way he takes his time and lets a song develop. It's unconstrained and powerful. . . thanks for the tune. I have several, but not this one. Try to track down "Rofo Rofo Fight" if you can. I have it on CD somewhere. I'll try to dig it up.
Posted by: Pete | March 11, 2005 at 07:11 PM