Review: Fela Kuti, Anthology 1

(Wrasse)

It's a little late for a 10th-anniversary tribute, as Fela died back in August 1997, but no matter. This is the first in a series of three new compilations devoted to the work of one of Africa's greatest-ever musicians, and it provides another reminder of his musical genius and political bravery. The well-packaged set includes a DVD of the documentary Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense, which was partly filmed at his 1984 Glastonbury show, along with two CDs concentrating on his early years. The first one shows the development of his style, from the no-nonsense exuberance (and classy jazz solos) of his years with the Koola Lobitos in the 1960s, through to a slinky and breezy funk track recorded live with Ginger Baker. The second set concentrates on his work with the Africa 70 band, and includes such classic and lengthy workouts as the 15-minute Why Black Man Dey Suffer. Fela's songs are long because he constantly changes the mood and the instrumentation, shifting from driving percussion passages to female chorus work, solos on keyboards or saxophone, to his own distinctive half-spoken, half-chanted vocals. The Nigerian authorities hated him, and the militant lyrics to Monkey Banana (on exploitation) or Water No Get Enemy (on people power) explain why.

Contributor

Robin Denselow

The GuardianTramp

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