Fela Kuti "Alagbon Close" (1974)

From his 1974 album "Alagbon Close"

The late great Fela Anikulapo Kuti, (15 October 1938 - 2 August 1997), real name Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat music. A Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, human rights activist, and political maverick.

The musical style performed by Fela Kuti is called Afrobeat, which is essentially a fusion of jazz, funk, psychedelic rock, and traditional African chants and rhythms. It is characterized by having African-style percussion, vocals, and musical structure, along with jazzy, funky horn sections. The endless groove is also used, in which a base rhythm of drums, shekere, muted guitar, and bass guitar are repeated throughout the song. His band was notable for featuring two baritone saxophones, whereas most groups using this instrument only use one. This is a common technique in African and African-influenced musical styles, and can be seen in funk and hip-hop. Some elements often present in Felas music are the call-and-response within the chorus and figurative but simple lyrics. Felas songs were almost always over 10 minutes in length, some reaching the 20- or even 30-minute marks, while some unreleased tracks would last up to 45 minutes when performed live. This was one of many reasons that his music never reached a substantial degree of popularity outside of Africa. His songs were mostly sung in Nigerian pidgin, although he also performed a few songs in the Yoruba language. Felas main instruments were the saxophone and the keyboards, but he also played the trumpet, guitar, and took the occasional drum solo. Fela refused to perform songs again after he had already recorded them, which also hindered his popularity outside Africa. Fela was known for his showmanship, and his concerts were often quite outlandish and wild. He referred to his stage act as the Underground Spiritual Game.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Fela
• Anikulapo
• Kuti
• Afrika
• 70
• Alagbon
• Close

[CHEVIX]

pure love of power

[djlatintin]

A legend . rip Fela your beats will inspire many and change things for the better . 

[TheClaffo]

my favourite Fela tune

[DavidMOdavid]

I am not sure I understand what you meant by (WHICH ALSO HINDERED HIS POPULARITY OUTSIDE AFRICA)............I am not sure who you are or what part of the world you are. But for you to alter this statement about Fela, is ridiculous. It only shows how much you really know or knew about the Baba for real.

[bigborn973]

why did you have to go? we miss you, nigeria is getting better, thanks to you. God bless you and send us another like you. YOur sons are doing good. your broad way show in new your is a hit. fela if you run into MKO tell am say he be itt.

[Dippyification]

Baba RIP

[tonyajayi]

nanananananananananananananana­nan........./

tell them at Alagbon/

that uniform is clothing/

the tailor sew them like they sew our/

GREAT LYRICS. FELA!........LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!.

Thanks for posting rovingeye2.

[gasdemup]

na god go bless u. abami eda forever

[jarbon5]

Loving this!