New Music From Fela Kuti on Calabash Music

Underground System

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Yellow Fever/ Na Poi

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Yellow Fever is a condemnation of the Skin Bleaching practice of the African comparing it to real diseases sweeping through the continent! Na Poi 75 is about the serge of native Nigerians going to Lagos to earn more money because of the new found oil resources.

Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Monkey Banana/ Excuse O

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

"Monkey Banana" reflects Fela's social consciousness in deploring the poor conditions of workers' lives in Nigeria. "Sense Wiseness" has a funkier beat and prominent high, glistening electric keyboards, the backdrop for lyrics criticizing the educated segment of Africa's population for absorbing Western ways. Monkey Banana is combined with another 1975 album, Excuse O.

J.J.D./Unnnecessary Begging

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

The title track of the two-song, half-hour release 'UnnecessaryBegging' has an uncommonly (for Kuti) slow-burn tempo that effectively maintains its slow, moody pace as instruments drop in and out. This album has been combined with the one-track 1977 release "J.J.D. (Johnny Just Drop)"

The Underground Spiritual Game

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Live In Amsterdam

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

The Two Sides Of Fela : Jazz & Dance

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Ikoyi Blindness/ Kalakuta Show

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

The Best of the Black President

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Everything Scatter/ Noise For Vendor Mouth

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Shuffering and Shmiling/ No Agreement

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Shuffering and Shmiling is an attack on various non-native religions that were causing fighting amongst Fela's people and were not enabling them to unite together. No Agreement is him telling the "common man" that he will not say anything about them, otherwise the government will come knocking on their door.

Afrodisiac/Open & Close

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Open & Close was originally released in 1975 and, in the manner of He Miss Road and Fela's London Scene, is a total groove-fest loaded to the gills with raucous horn blowing, ferocious percussion (once again, Tony Allen take a bow), and song lengths over ten minutes.

Army Arrangement

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

Shakara/ London Scene

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:40:00 -0600

A stunning joint record that marks the beginning of Fela’s best period of recording. London Scene was one of the first recordings made by Fela and his newly named Nigeria 70. It marks the beginning of his social commentary infused lyrics and early Afrobeat style. Shakara is all about the Westernizing of the African woman and how they are trying to become equal to men. Although filled with irony, two great albums to dance to.