You Africans, please listen to me as Africans
And you non-Africans, listen to me with open mind
Introduction
On November 23, 2009, the musical Fela! opened on Broadway. Ten years earlier Fela Kuti’s music entered my life. A true revelation. A tribute to one of the best compilations ever released: The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President).
Fela Kuti
Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì, born as Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on October 15, 1938, was a Nigerian of huge importance. Activist, inventor of the afrobeat and best-known African musician. He combined African music with Western funk and jazz. During his lifetime he was jailed, abused and hunted for his political views, which he was very vocal about.
Fela Kuti – Koola Lobitos
In 1958 his parents sent Fela Kuti to London for his education. In London he played in the band Koola Lobitos, which primarily consisted of Nigerian musicians. In 1960 Nigeria gained its independence and three years later Kuti returned to the Nigerian capital Lagos and prolonged Koola Lobitos there. After 6 years the band left for Los Angeles and performed there using the name Fela Ransome-Kuti And Nigeria 70. The significance of the visit to the US can not be underestimated. Musically it was instrumental in the development of afrobeat and politically the ideas of Malcolm X and other black activists were hugely influential on Kuti’s convictions. After immigration services were tipped off and the band was unable to prove legal visas, the band was evicted.
Fela Kuti developed afrobeat, a fusion of American soul, jazz, gospel and funk with Apala music, salsa, calypso and Yoruba music, consisting of many “call and response” vocals. Drummer and (multi)instrumentalist Tony Allen was the co-inventor. Kuti: “without Tony Allen, there would be no afrobeat”. Kuti primarily used Nigerian Pidgin, a language based on English, for his lyrics and vocals.
After returning to Nigeria Fela Kuti opened a club called the Afro-Shrine, renamed the group Nigeria 70 to Africa 70 (also going by the name Afrika 70) and started calling himself Aníkúlápó, because he considered the name Ransome to be a slave name. Aníkúlápó means “he who carries death in his pouch”, which Kuti explained as “I will be the master of my own destiny and will decide when it is time for death to take me”.
Fela Kuti – Kalakuta Republic
The musical completion of afrobeat wasn’t enough for Fela Kuti. His political views gained a central position in the lyrics, quickly turning his club into a political center of considerable significance. In 1974 he founded the Kalakuta Republic, put up a fence around his compound and declared his property independent. This state within the state of Nigeria became a thorn in the side of the current rulers. From then on out, Kuti would be regularly (over 200 times!) apprehended, tortured and jailed.
It’s characteristic for Fela Kuti that he didn’t start holding back. It’s the exact opposite, he became ever more explicit in his criticism. His following kept on growing, not just within the confines of Nigeria, but all over the African continent. Sales figures of his albums ran in the millions. At FESTAC (“Festival for Black Arts and Culture”, Lagos, 1978) Kuti played the song Zombie. It ridiculed the military forces in Nigeria and its soldiers. The song became immensely popular in large parts of Africa. Nigerian authorities had had enough, so on February 18, 1977, over 1,000 soldiers demolished the Kalakuta Republic and murdered, raped and tortured its inhabitants. Kuti’s mother, a political force to be reckoned with in her own right, ultimately died of her injuries.
One year after the destruction of the Kalakuta Republic Fela Kuti married 27 women (mostly dancers and singers in his band) in a ceremony in Ghana, followed by a concert in capital Accra. During the performance of Zombie riots broke out, the band got arrested and was consequentially expelled from the country. In 1979 Kuti founded the political party Movement of the People and wanted to participate in the presidential elections. His request was denied. Four years later he applied again and was jailed for trying.
Fela Kuti – Attack on Kalakuta Republic
At a show in Germany in 1979 internal issues within the band culminated and the majority of the band quit on the spot, including the most important musical companion, drummer Tony Allen. A new band, called Egypt 80, kicked off a new era and a new sound.
In 1982 French television made a documentary about Fela Kuti, which was broadcast that same year under the moniker Music Is A Weapon by French broadcasting company Antenne 2. Later, the documentary was edited and released as Music Is The Weapon on video and DVD. The movie contains lots of music and interviews, portraying Kuti’s views on politics, music and religion. Absolutely essential viewing for all those interested in Kuti/world music.
In 1984 Fela Kuti was sentenced to 5 years in prison by the current rulers. He was charged with “illegal export of currency”, a trumped up accusation. He spent 20 months in jail, by which time the old rulers had been replaced, and was set free after the judge acknowledged he was pressured into sentencing Kuti. Kuti went out on tour in Europe, the US and of course Africa. His performances contributed greatly to global interest and recognition of world music in general and African rhythms and culture in particular.
Fela Kuti’s death on August 2, 1997, is shrouded in mystery. According to his brother, a medical doctor, Kuti died of AIDS. Many of his followers and confidants provide a different opinion, probably because of Kuti’s stance on AIDS: he denied its existence. His funeral was attended by over 1 million people. At the service Kuti’s son Femi played saxophone. Fela’s youngest son, Seun, still plays his father’s music and regularly tours the world as Seun Kuti And Egypt 80.
Following Fela Kuti’s death 45 of his albums were remastered and released on 26 compact discs. The first release of the series was the compilation The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President), a taste of everything that was to come.
Fela Kuti live 1980s
Political convictions
Fela Kuti was a convinced supporter of Pan-Africanism, the belief that the African people, both on the continent and in the diaspora, not only share a common history, but also share a future. He preached peace in Africa and wanted to battle European imperialism on the African continent by embracing traditional religions and ways of life. Influenced by the American Black Power movement he strived for a united democratic African republic. His lyrics dealt with socialism, human rights and a distinct hatred of dictatorships, and more particular the one(s) in his home country Nigeria, and also went for its ‘enablers’.
To Western standards Fela Kuti was an obvious sexist. Kuti defended his polygamy, which he showed publicly in 1978 by marrying 27 women, as follows: “A man goes for many women in the first place. Like in Europe, when a man is married when the wife is sleeping, he goes out and sleeps around. He should bring the women in the house, man, to live with him, and stop running around the streets!” Songs like Lady paint a pretty sexist image of Africa’s hero. On the other hand, Kuti criticized women for idealizing Western views on feminism. He critiqued African men the same way in songs like Gentleman.
But, maybe the story of Fela Kuti can be best told by the liner notes on The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President). They are available in full in the sub article The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President) – Liner notes.
Fela Kuti – The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President)
The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President)
In October/November 1999 the compilation The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President) was released, providing a cross-section in Fela Kuti’s entire body of work. The collection is truly outstanding and is a perfect way to start off the journey into the world of Fela Kuti.
During his lifetime Fela Kuti released over 50 albums. Often those albums consisted of 2 songs. The first side of the vinyl usually contained the album’s name sake and the B-side another song. The long songs oftentimes started off instrumentally, with lyrics and vocals following in the second part of the song. The compilation contains many Part 2 songs, i.e. the vocal half of the songs.
Fela Kuti – Lady
Lady
One of the key partners Kuti worked with was drummer Tony Allen, together they laid the groundwork for the afrobeat. Lady is a primary example of the genre: irresistibly funky. Unfortunately, it’s also an example of Kuti’s sexism. Primarily geared at African women who squander their African roots and want to go through life as a (Westernized) lady. Lines like the ones below do feel rather itchy.
If you call am woman
African woman no go ‘gree
She go say, she go say, “I be lady, oh”I want tell you about lady
She go say him equal to man
She go say him get power like man
She go say anything man do himself fit do© 1972 Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti And Africa 70 – Shakara
Shakara
If at all possible, even more funky than Lady, this song was inspired by Lagos’ street life in the 1970s. The term “shakara” stems from the Yoruba language and stands for a bragging man.
We get the Shakara man
We get the Shakara woman
Shakara man, him go say
“I go beat you, I go nearly kill you”
Na Shakara, I go beat you
You go be like you get accident
Na Shakara© 1972 Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti And Afrika 70 – Gentleman
Gentleman
Supposedly the counterpart to Lady, the songs addresses the actual African identity, according to Kuti. He mocks Africans who follow Western values, and even dress accordingly.
Africa hot, I like am so
I know what to wear but my friends don’t know
Him put him socks, him put him shoe
Him put him pant, him put him singlet
Him put him trouser, him put him shirt
Him put him tie, him put him coat
Him come cover all with him hat
Him be gentleman, him go sweat all over© 1972 Fela Kuti
The version on the compilation is an edited, shortened, version.
Fela Kuti And Africa 70 – Expensive Shit
Water No Get Enemy
The term “water” needs to be interpreted as the natural development (aka “flow”) of a society. That also applies to politics: dictators can suppress the will of the people, but in the end they can’t break it.
Even political songs can swing!
If you fight am, unless you wan die
I say water no get enemy
If you fight am, unless you wan die
Omi o l’ota o
I dey talk of Black man power
I dey talk of Black power, I say
I say water no get enemy© 1975 Fela Kuti
The version on the compilation is an edited, shortened, version.
Fela Kuti And Afrika 70 – Zombie
Zombie
The Nigerian regime hoped to polish up their image during the FESTAC festival, but Fela Kuti introduced a new song: Zombie. He portrays soldiers (and the military) as nothing more than robotic idiots.
Zombie o, zombie
Zombie no go go, unless you tell am to go
Zombie no go stop, unless you tell am to stop
Zombie no go turn, unless you tell am to turn
Zombie no go think, unless you tell am to think
Zombie o, zombie© 1976 Fela Kuti
The song was a huge success all across the African continent. It eventually led to the destructive attack on the commune where Kuti lived, which ultimately cost the life of Kuti’s mother.
Musically vintage afrobeat, a ruthlessly galloping rhythm, accentuated by horns and funky guitar.
Fela Kuti And Afrika 70 – Sorrow Tears & Blood
Sorrow Tears & Blood
A contemplative song addressing the fall-out of the attack on the commune. A tribute to victims of murder, rape and torture. Despite the moody message and musical restraint, nothing even remotely indicates reserve in political conviction.
Everybody run run run
Everybody scatter scatter
Some people lost some bread
Someone nearly die
Someone just die
Police they come, army they come
Confusion everywhere
Seven minutes later
All don cool down, brother
Police don go away
Army don disappear
Them leave sorrow, tears and blood (Them regular trademark)© 1977 Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti And Afrika 70 – No Agreement
No Agreement Part 2
Even though Kuti always speaks his mind about malpractice and injustice, there are indeed moments he will keep quiet. If his silence could help the Nigerian people in any way he would most certainly do so.
I no go agree make my brother jobless, make I no talk
I no go agree make my brother homeless, make I no talk
My grandpapa talk, your grandpapa talk
My grandmama talk, your grandmama talk
Your papa talk, my papa talk
My mama talk, your mama talk
Those wey no talk them they agree
I no go agree make my brother hungry, make I no talk© 1978 Fela Kuti
Contains a guest solo by the American trumpet player Lester Bowie.
Fela Kuti – Roforofo Fight
Roforofo Fight
The song “rough rough fight” tells of people who are obsessed by violence and often choose the violent way, even if they go against their friends and families’ pleas.
If you dey among the crowd wey dey look
If you yourself
You yourself dey among the crowd wey dey look
And your friend
Your friend dey among the two wey dey yab
Tell am, tell am, tell am, tell am
Tell am make him no fight o
Make him no fight© 1972 Fela Kuti
Yet another gloriously swinging song by Kuti and his Africa 70.
Fela Kuti And Afrika 70 – Shuffering And Shmiling
Shuffering And Shmiling Part 2
A ruthless attack on Christianity and Islam and their role in imperialism and (political) oppression. The fundamentalist wars between both camps exemplifies foreign wars being fought on African soil. It also indicts the leaders of both parties who wallow in their wealth, while they order their followers to concentrate on life after this life (and thus ensuring they don’t take action in this life).
I want you all to please take your minds
Out of this musical contraption
And put your minds into any goddamn church
Any goddamn mosque
Any goddamn Celestical
Including Seraphoom and Cheruboom© 1978 Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti – Coffin For Head Of State
Coffin For Head Of State Part 2
A successor to the previous song, in which Kuti accuses Christian and Muslim helpers of president Obasanjo of complicity in the murder of his mother following the attack on his commune in 1977. The president never apologized. In a bold move Kuti and a lot of helpers, while under gun fire, placed a coffin in front of the door of the president’s outhouse. Coffin For Head Of State celebrates the victory of the mind over guns.
I waka many business anywhere in Africa
I waka many business anywhere in Africa
North and South them get them policies
One Christian and the other one Muslim
Anywhere the Muslims them they reign
Na Senior Alhaji na him be Director
Anywhere the Christians them they reign
Na the best friend to Bishop na him be Director
It is a known fact that for many thousand years
We Africans we had our own traditions
These moneymaking organizations
Them come put we Africans in total confusion© 1981 Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti – I.T.T.
I.T.T. Part 2
I.T.T. is short for International Thief Thief and tells of politicians getting swooped in by foreign companies at the cost of the African people, just for money and profit.
Many foreign companies dey Africa carry all our money go
Many foreign companies dey Africa carry all our money go
Them go write big English for newspaper, dabaru we AfricansI read about one of them inside book like that
Them call him name na I.T.T.Them go dey cause confusion
Cause corruption
Cause oppression
Cause inflation© 1980 Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti And Egypt 80 – Army Arrangement
Army Arrangement Part 2
After an introduction about women and the way men seduce women the song quickly changes course and addresses the 1979 Nigerians elections, which Kuti thought were rigged. Also tells of a major money scandal that included several ministers and governmental departments.
Doctor, lawyer, hustlers
Engineer, photographers
Doctor, lawyer, hustlers
Engineer, photographers
All of them Kirikiri
Ten to fifteen years in jail
After one year inside jail
Civilian government take over
Them release all of dem
Them say dem be innocent oh
E no finish, e no finish, e no finish, e no finish, e no finish, e no finish© 1984 Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti And Egypt 80 – O.D.O.O.
O.D.O.O.
O.D.O.O. is short for Overtake Don Overtake Overtake. The song is about military governments seizing power without any kind of mandate, and also about corruption and extortion by police and military personnel. Despite serious threats of the ruling class Kuti played the song at concerts and released it in 1989.
When they want to call Nigerian government
Them give am name, “Federal Military Government”
For Libya dem give am name, “Liberation Council”
For Liberia dem give am name, “Redemption Council”
For Zaire dem give am name, “Revolutionary Council”
Them get different different names
For different different governments
But the correct name for them
Na “soldier go, soldier come”© 1989 Fela Kuti
The version on the compilation is an edited, shortened, version.
Review
Late 1999/early 2000 I bought the compilation and I played it to death. At that time the music was new to me and it brought a breath of fresh air after the disappointing 1990s, which, next to some amazing hip-hop and dance, had only yielded a handfull of classic albums. But this music was real, full of life and swing. The compilation marked the start of a full re-release of most Kuti albums. I ended up buying half of the back catalogue, a total of 24 albums.
Fela Kuti is indispensable for every music lover. This compilation is a perfect starting point and will undoubtedly lead to further investigation. Highly recommended!
Fela Kuti – The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President) – Booklet back cover
Songs
All songs written by Fela Kuti.
- Lady (13:49)
- Shakara (13:26)
- Gentleman (edit) (11:02)
- Water No Get Enemy (edit) (9:50)
- Zombie (12:25)
- Sorrow Tears & Blood (10:15)
- No Agreement, Part 2 (7:54)
- Roforofo Fight (15:41)
- Shuffering And Shmiling, Part 2 (12:25)
- Coffin For Head Of State, Part 2 (13:22)
- I.T.T., Part 2 (13:42)
- Army Arrangement, Part 2 (17:02)
- O.D.O.O. (edit version) (6:54)
Red Hot + Riot: The Music And Spirit Of Fela Kuti
After The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President)
On October 15, 2002, Red Hot + Riot, also known as Red Hot + Riot: The Music And Spirit Of Fela Kuti, was released as part of the so-called Red Hot series, which focused on the combat against and awareness of AIDS. The album contained contemporary interpretations of Fela Kuti compositions, like Lady, Shakara and Zombie. Artists ranged from Dead Prez to Talib Kweli, Bilal, D’Angelo, Femi Kuti, Nile Rodgers, Roy Hargrove, Macy Gray, Sheikh Lô, Tony Allen, Kelis and Sade. A beautiful tribute to the music of Fela Kuti.
In 2005 the 1999 re-releases were re-released, because of new ownership of Fela Kuti’s music. In 2009 that happened once again. In 2013 The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President) was renamed to The Best Of The Black President, and got a sequel with the almost equally impressive compilation The Best Of Black President 2.
In 2008 work commenced on a musical under the moniker Fela! The musical was very well received and its story was loosely based on Fela Kuti’s, but its main feature was Kuti’s fantastic, exciting music. On November 23, 2009, the first run on the American Broadway premiered. The musical toured the entire world and returned to Broadway in 2012, for yet another 32 shows.
Fela Kuti – The Best Of The Black President & The Best Of The Black President 2
In closing
In general, compilations aren’t given much credit, unless the level is exceptional. That most certainly applies to The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President), nowadays known as Fela Kuti – The Best Of The Black President. What’s your take on Fela Kuti and this compilation? Let me know!
Video/Spotify
This story contains an accompanying video. Click on the following link to see it: Video: The Best Best Of Fela Kuti (The Black President). The A Pop Life playlist on Spotify has been updated as well.
