Fela

07.01.03

I was introduced to Fela, and African music in general, really, by my boyfriend. It's pretty reasonable to me that an American does not know the first thing about African music, given how closed-in the country is and the weath of American artists so readily available. However, I am still completely shocked when I think that I had once lived without knowing Fela's music.

Ok, that's a bit dramatic. But given my musical taste, and that of those I talk music with, I am truly surprised that nobody pulled me to the side, shoved a copied tape into my hands and said, "Yo, Lee, you gotta hear this."

But not only was Fela an amazing musician, but he was an extremely influential political figure in Nigeria and the throughout Africa. Shame on me for not knowing until I was in my twenties.

So, I am trying to ignorance from putting anybody kind enough to stop by the site to shame. Because, yo, you gotta hear this.

Fela is a singer/musician from a powerful Nigerian family. Well known for his involvement in African politics and freedom-fighting (he was imprisoned on several occasions for his comments against the Nigerian government), he is the undeniable father of Afrobeat. Fela was stronly influenced by his first tour of the United States, where he mingled with Black Panthers and was introduced to the readings and teachings of Malcolm X. His band, Fela Ransome Kuti and the Africa 70, at one point had 80 people. With over 50 (highest number I have ever heard is 77, but I don't remember where I heard that) albums to his name, primarily all from the 1970's, there has been a significant worldwide Fela revival since his death to AIDS in 1997. Outspoken, quick, determined, and a bit mad - elements of Fela that are all audible in his music.

This song, "Go Slow," is the only really good song I have on CD. But there are hundreds of good ones in my vinyl collection. If you like "Go Slow," and you want it to get a little bit more wild, more funky, ba-be-bo-bop-bop-py, good God, just go get yourself a Fela album already. I'm a big fan of his live albums (rare for me) because of the extreme amount of imrov and interjections. Fela also, apparently, never sang a recorded song on stage. Recording was the last step in the song-development process, and Fela refused to sing any sort of "hits" after he had put it down on vinyl.

This, consequently, led to his lack of popularity in the United States, because audiences there wanted to hear their favorite songs performed live.

Some bands just sound better in the studio. Not Fela. He's all about the performance.

Just check out the song. "Go Slow" is still on of my faves, but I would have had a much harder time choosing had the selection been made available to me (side note: Fela is hard to find on file-sharing programs, so let me know if you spot him)

Download it here: - Fela - Go Slow - download no longer available, contact me to find out how to get it.