Zombie

YES this is the kind of music I was hoping to find on here - artists/music/genres I've never heard of but instantly like and appreciate. This musician's bio was awesome to read - he's had such an influence on so many people

Politically charged, yet makes me wanna party. Thats a combo I can get down with.

I’m keeping this one. You can have it back later.

I love me some Fela Kuti, but I've listened to his early-70s stuff more than the rest. My favourite album is "Gentleman", and I stand by that as being his best work. However, "Zombie" is close behind, and I hadn't fully appreciated it until now. The album was a critique of the Nigerian military, and it resulted in violent suppression of Kuti, his family and his followers. But the music is also worth holding up on his own terms. The original record has two 12-min tracks (the other two are reissue bonus tracks), and as usual they are energetic explorations of funk and jazz, matched with African rhythms and call-and-response. "Gentleman" has an even better elastic energy to it, but "Zombie" is a little more polished. Many of Kuti's albums do follow a blueprint, but it's such a good and original blueprint that it doesn't matter! Perfect 5 for this one.

This album delivers the 2 things I felt were missing from Monday's Fela album, so I have no choice but to give it a 5. The album cover alone is worth a 5. Sue and I drove to Toronto in 1987 to see them at Lamport Stadium and the concert was cancelled due to "VISA issues" which, in retrospect, I understand to mean the Nigerian government didn't want Fela travelling the world singing about Zombie Soldiers. I have a much greater appreciation listening all these years later, after hearing his influence popping up in the 3 decades of Acid Jazz that have been released since.

Wow, this album seems to have quite a tragic and bloody history, which I guess makes the lyrics some of the most potent ever. Musically, there's nothing I don't like, per se... but if you were to cut off ~4 minutes at the start and end of every track (leaving the call-and-response vocal bits) I'd probably rate it a lot higher. It's the kind of music which, if a live band was performing it, I'd have an absolutely great time dancing to for 5-10 minutes... before gradually losing enthusiasm over the next hour until I was swaying out of habit only; a little dead behind the eyes and secretly, desperately wondering when it was going to end. 2.5 stars.

Fela you've never done me wrong. African Jazz is some of the best shit we, as a species, have ever come up with (not that I can take any credit for it). ONE OF THE FEW ALBUMS ON THIS CURSED LIST THAT IS TOO SHORT INSTEAD OF TOO LONG.

This is generally not my genre. That said, the sheer unbridled energy brought to music on this album is infectious. It's 100% a protest album and also 100% and act of creative freedom. It was his way of saying "screw you I'm going to be me and be free no matter what." And you have to respect that. Even so, it really really wasn't my jam. So I can't give it full marks.

A phenomenal album with a funky sound, an artist with an admirable commitment to freedom, and lyrics that are easy for an English speaker to understand but with hidden depths and a biting political message. No complaints.

Did a quick Wiki on this and mad props to Fela Kuti. He showed integrity and the importance of making your voice heard through your art, and he suffered so much from it. The music itself lacking context is also really good

The mighty Fela! You have to admire a man who can marry 27 women and still survive another two decades after that. This album is one of a bunch of classic releases by him in the 70s. The original only have two pieces on it, each slightly under 13 minutes but both having such an impact both politically and musically. If you ever wondered where the Talking Heads got a major influence from. Even McCartney talked about seeing Fela play when flew to Lagos to record Band on the Run. I usually try to rate just the original album but that would already have received 5 stars. The bonus tracks I think add to the original release and the album still maintains it's original vibe with them added. If you're looking to get into more of his music checkout out Roforofo Fight, Gentleman, Sorrow Tears & Blood, or Expensive Shit. All of these along with Zombie are probably his strongest releases.

“Music is the weapon. Music is the weapon of the future.” -Fela Kuti

Very long, horn-y songs

Wow, this was just... amazing. Really hit that jazz craving I need every so often. Reading the background of the album was essential to this as well. Definitely going to seek out more of his work.

LOVELY, thicc jazz

Great for cooking and chilling

Murderer, rapist turd.

What a groovy, fun album! The first track Zombie is the more upbeat of the half, with a clear blueprint for the incredible opening track Born Under Punches on Remain In Light, released three years later. Clearly an important political album, criticizing the Nigerian military of the day. It's impossible not to appreciate such a cornerstone.

Zombie was the most popular and impacting record that Fela Kuti & Africa 70 would record -- it ignited the nation to follow Fela's lead and antagonize the military zombies that had the population by the throat.

Refreshment, and yet another African record that I imagine being cool live.

Petite touche de soleil dans ce monde tellement morose

Apparently this album is a "scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military" and its release resulted in the military attacking Fela Kuti's home and studio, beating Kuti and killing his mother in the process. . The album is comprises only two tracks. Both are powerful and funky with politically charged lyrics. The metaphor is clear once the context is known, and both tracks appear to be questioning soldiers following orders like the titular zombies and Mr Follow Follows. Away from the heavy context, considered just as a piece of music, this is an enjoyable and fun listen. With the context this is powerful and engaging. 4/5.

This album has two songs and last just over twenty-five minutes. One of the few EPs here! Afrobeat and African popular music are not really my styles (I enjoyed 'The Age of Pleasure', though, and I don't mind a bit of jazz, funk and reggae, which have influenced the style). Nice antiphony on the title track. Combined with the political lyrics, a very memorable song is created. (The antiphony on the other track is also good. It's one of the features that makes the album obviously African). This really reminds me of Frank Zappa's 'Hot Rats'. Someone else said this album is acid jazz, which 'Hot Rats' is as well, so maybe I'm not the only one. I thought 'Hot Rats' was great but '70s instrumental jazz is not my thing. 5.5/10.

Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: I did, not my usual genre at all but this one was unique! Favourite song: Track 1 - Zombie

I was not kuti with this felas album

My first encounter with Fela was the other entry on this list, "Live!". It kinda blew my mind and while I gave it a '4' at the time, I've since revisited it dozens of times and edited my score up to a '5'. It was revelatory and a true gem in the ocean of electronic/synth pop garbage that pollutes the list. I have high hopes for this.. ****** So, it's a little slower, it has more singing in it, and there is an obvious political message embedded in it, but damn if it still doesn't absolutely slap. The complex rhythms and call-and-response singing are just so catchy and dynamic, I found myself involuntarily bobbing my head and tapping my foot. It's a funky infection and I'm on board for it. Normally my rule of the jazz '4' is where I would draw a line, but I've since shot myself in the foot with a few of my favorite jazz albums and I'll do it again with Fela here. (5/5) Of all the artists we've encountered so far, this is the one I'm happy to have found because of this project/list. We're done with the TWO that are on it (I'm betting more probably should be, but I'll determine that later..) and Fela has run off with my musical heart. This guy is a treasure.

If an album leads to the army attacking your compound, beating you up and killing your mother then it truly is an album that needs to be heard It also slaps

music for the soul. while this is not something i would listen to regularly, i still really like it. this is top tier, and i really vibe with the message he conveys. oh my shit after additional research i discovered that he apparently created afrobeat wtf lmaoo? this guy was a genius overall, i rlly like this!!

On top of absolutely honking, this album has the best Wikipedia article I’ve ever read.

If this album doesn't get you moving, you're probably dead. Protest music with bite from a time and place where that put your life at risk. Powerful lyrics and infectious grooves. a deadly combination for the authoritarian regime. 5 stars.

Day 19: Zombie - Fela Kuti. Zombie is an album by Fela Kuti, who singlehandedly created and pioneered Afrobeat music, and may be the most recognizable Nigerian musician of all time. The album is a very innovative album that explores a plethora of ideas. The album features four tracks. Each of its tracks is longer than twelve minutes. Each track goes in various different directions. The album is politically-charged, as Fela Kuti fearlessly criticizes the military in Nigeria. It is really impressive that an album like this was released back in 1977. This is a very ambitious album. It still holds relevance to this day. It can resonate with people from all over the world. I wish that "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" featured more albums like this, for I'd rather listen to this than generic Britpop. Personal Enjoyment: 5/5. How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.

Wow, very into this. I’m gonna be looking up the discography. My first 5 star moment. Come through Fela!

Zombie is a studio album by Nigerian Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti. It was released in Nigeria by Coconut Records in 1976, and in the United Kingdom by Creole Records in 1977.[1] The album criticised the Nigerian government; and it is thought to have resulted in the murder of Kuti's mother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and the destruction of his commune by the military. The album was a scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. The album was a smash hit with the people and infuriated the government, setting off a vicious attack against the Kalakuta Republic (a commune that Fela had established in Nigeria), during which one thousand soldiers attacked the commune. Kuti was severely beaten, and his elderly mother was thrown from a window, causing fatal injuries. The Kalakuta Republic was burned, and Kuti's studio, instruments, and master tapes were destroyed. Kuti claimed that he would have been killed if it were not for the intervention of a commanding officer as he was being beaten. Kuti's response to the attack was to deliver his mother's coffin to the main army barrack in Lagos and write two songs, "Coffin for Head of State" and "Unknown Soldier", referencing the official inquiry that claimed the commune had been destroyed by an unknown soldier. Kuti and his band then took residence in Crossroads Hotel as the Shrine had been destroyed along with his commune. In 1978 Kuti married 27 women, many of whom were his dancers, composers, and singers to mark the anniversary of the attack on the Kalakuta Republic. Later, he was to adopt a rotation system of keeping only twelve simultaneous wives.[2] The year was also marked by two notorious concerts, the first in Accra in which riots broke out during the song "Zombie," which led to Kuti being banned from entering Ghana. The second was at the Berlin Jazz Festival after which most of Kuti's musicians deserted him, due to rumors that Kuti was planning to use the entirety of the proceeds to fund his presidential campaign.

It’s not my sound but I recognise the musicianship and support the courage of the protest

70s afrobeat. Funky. Massively political. Brass-heavy jazz. Very long songs. A bit repetitive.

I'm not build for Jazz fusion or 12+minute songs, so it's not really for me If this was playing live at a music festival, I would probably hang out for a couple of songs before heading off to find the taco track But I do appreciate it's place in history in the fight against government oppression

More African shit

Wtf is this and why is it on this list

I absolutely adore Fela's other album on this list (with Ginger Baker), and was super excited when this one popped up. Out of the gate that title track exceeded my expectations and is probably my favorite of his yet. A whole heaping spoonful of energy and woven patterns that draws you in and just feels fun. Mr. Follow Follow changes up and slows down, and the political messaging in both tracks is made even more poignant by reading some history on the album and events surrounding it. My only complaint is that it's over way too soon, and I was thankful for the reissue bonus tracks to keep things going. Another one I will no doubt revisit, and another "blind 5/5" from this incredible band.

176. Zombie - Fela Kuti (1977) 8.17.26 Variety: 4 Adequacy: 5 Listenability: 5 Uniqueness: 5 Emotionality: 5 = 4.8 rounded up to a 5 Fela Kuti seems to be one of those artists where the list makers could have literally just chosen any of his albums randomly and ended up with some good shit. Almost four months ago we had Live! - which he did with Ginger Baker on drums, and it ended up being just as great as I've come to expect. I've heard this one before, and loved it, but it's been a good while, so now I'm wondering how it compares. I would have said previously it was one of, if not the best, of the ones I've heard, and I came to his stuff relatively recently ( within the last 10 years) so I'm not expecting my opinion to have changed much at all. THE TRACKS "Zombie" - Hot damn. This is the stuff. Right away we're into the groove with the awesome rhythms and Fela leading the way with his soulful as fuck sax work. The raw energy and fluidity on display here is genuinely physically invigorating, despite the pain and sadness that fueled its creation. This is music that tells you this man and his band are not going to sit down, and it's not music for sitting down either. I mean, I guess you could listen to it in your chair, while working, or whatever. You'd be poorer for it though. Throughout the nearly 13 minute run time it never ONCE feels like it has exhausted all the avenues available. Danceable protest music is a tall order in any time but, anti-war, anti-atrocity, anti-totalitarian, anti-thought control - you name your oppressive bit of political and military horror and this is music that - in the place and era it existed was literally a thing that could get your ass killed or worse. And it did. All that considered, it stands on its own as a supremely funky groove. Obviously in the tradition of James Brown, who Fela admired and credited with changing his whole musical outlook, it never feels for a second like it's trapped within Brown's own particular brand of funk, but manages to up the ante ( for sure stakes-wise) with all of the particulars. The reveille horn must have riffled some feathers. Awesome, bold stuff. "Mister Follow Follow" - This track uses the same funk groove template, but things slow down a bit and the result feels both more measured and more downbeat. The title seems like euphemism for the same thing as the first one, and no doubt caught the ears of those in power. And it's no wonder this music was so damn popular with as undeniably listenable as it is. If Fela and his band had sucked or were boring, no one would have given a damn what his message was. But you can't have protest music spreading like wildfire, right? Much less VERY GOOD protest music. I can't help but be reminded of Green Day's American Idiot which we just had not too long ago, and while it would definitely be unfair to compare things musically, as an attempt to foment political dissent, critique power structures, and advance specific ideology that one looks anemic and clumsy by comparison to this. Baby's first protest album. This is a lot jazzier, and just as literal. No bones are made about what Mr. Kuti thinks of the subjects of his song. I would say that little to none of the music on this list so far has really been consequential in any sort of way other than culturally, and possibly in some small way socially. This is music of real consequence that is ALSO rad as hell. You might find the mode to be boring, or repetitive, or you might just not be a fan of funk. But you can't deny that it's a powerful, well considered sound. And you'd look like a doofus to deny it as meaningful. I'll take a hundred Fela albums ( are there that many? There might actually be that many...) over another Chemical Bros or Happy Mondays album any day of the week. The only reason this doesn't get a perfect 5.0 is that I can take or leave most messaging as I'm primarily focused on the medium. Also there's no escaping the fact that as well woven and textured a tapestry this is, it's two tracks of groove heavy rhythms, so it would seem weird to not knock it slightly for variety. Knowing the story of what unfolded also will not makes this as casual and easy a listen either. HIGHLIGHTS - All of it MIDLIGHTS - LOWLIGHTS - FINAL THOUGHTS No surprises here. Quality funky ass beats, and grooves I'm not sure I could ever tire of. I did a bit more reading ahead of this one as I'd heard it before, but was not that familiar with the history. Some brutal stuff went down i the wake of this one, and Kuti's life in general is pretty insane. It's not necessary at all to enjoy the music, but look it up if you can, and you might at least appreciate the man a bit more. Quality wise there's not much to say other than it was top notch performing all around, and the production pretty flawlessly captured the live in studio ( I assume but cannot verify) sound of the one long single-take grooves. More so than a lot of the acts on the list - I think Kuti's studio work very much does this as a rule. The jazz and blues stuff we've heard manage that as well. I love me some studio effects bullshittery, but this is stone cold proof that you don't need that stuff for an immersive experience. The album Unknown Soldier seems directly tied to this one as it deals with the horrific aftermath of the events that happened in response to this album and I would recommend looking it up as well as it's also pretty great. The man probably could have easily had a good ten albums on this list that would far outshine a LOT of the stuff we've listened, but two will have to suffice. PLAYLIST ALTERATIONS - Nope FURTHER LISTENING - Shakara by Fela & The Africa 70 - Gentlemen by Fela & The Africa 70 - Before I Jump Like Monkey Give Me Banana by Fela & The Africa 70 - Yellow Fever by Fela & The Africa 70 - Live in Berlin at the Berliner Jazztage - 1978 by Fela & The Africa 70 - Unknown Soldier - Fela & The Africa 70

Zombie The story behind the aftermath from this album is crazy, his commune being attacked by 100 soldiers and mother tragically being thrown out of a window, before he went on to marry a load of women. The title track on its own is worth a 5, a fantastic, nagging, insistent groove, punctuated by horn riffs and I love the organ/keys towards the back end, giving it a spooky, churchly accent. Mr Follow Follow pulls much the same trick, another great groove matching jazzy horns with soul/funk guitars and a deceptively catchy refrain. Observation is no Crime is a little jazzier, with a slower more languorous beat, and is another great track, if a notch below the first two tracks. Mistake loses me somewhat due to it’s live sound, but the organ is superb, and the band are incredibly tight, they don’t lose the groove at all over the 15 minutes. I loved letting this go round and round, and while the last track doesn’t feel quite part of the album like the other tracks it's an excellent, excellent listen. 🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟 Playlist submission: Zombie

YES YES YES YES YES YES. i absolutely loved this and it was the perfect soundtrack to playing my nyt games

Really enjoyed this. Good music, and the political messages were well delivered. Shame about the attack: autocrats rule in and with fear. It's also a shame that he had to give up all 28 wives, but it wasn't good for them to be jealous of each other.

really fun and best jazz i've heard in a while.

One of the best afrobeat albums + it's short. 9/10

Back in highschool I blind-bought Expensive Shit/He Miss Road and loved it. I'd always intended to go back for more but never did until today. Felt like hitting the jackpot when this dropped.

Ooh, loved this. Such a groove, and considering what the subject matter is, loving the vibe. Been swithering but I’m feeling generous so 5 it is

flawless. incredible music, message, and bravery

A very nice way to wrap up the week! Love this one, and honestly all the Fela Kuti I’ve heard. I’ll take more of this over Morrissey any day.

zoombie zoombie zoo-o-o-mbie.. nyt ei ole pätkitty lyhyihin paloihin vaan annetaan mestarin mennä minne haluaa.. afrikkabeat kunigas.. kutikuti, kutittaako.. tänne sieltä. kutikuti.. tuuppa vittutännepäin. niih. AINA seitsemän minuutin intro ja sitten lauletaan jalallalallalai lallalalla lallalai USKOMATON CONCEPTI. vähän eurooppalaista sivistyneisyyttä ja afrikkalaista hullunkurisuutta menetelty yhteen tässä heh... ei sanoi ei europeans, aftobeat dis is afro beat.. tajuttu että sinne alitajuntaan niitä influensseja kerääntyy hiljalleen ja hankalasti saa pois heh ei ole helppoa.. zombie

Zombie

Mesmerising Tantalising

barring the insane political context of this album, this is a magnificent piece. very intricate, complex, demanding of attention on a solemn listen, yet catchy, energetic, danceable, and charged with righteous anger. this feels like a cultural monument, and it fills me with endless fascination that i couldn't realistically do justice by talking about it in a condensed one-day format of this challenge.

A really good album with some fascinating history behind it. The world needs more musicians like this.

Phenomenal horns and saxophone in these bangers. For all the drama and odd cultish behavior from Fela and his followers, he sure makes some good tunes. Best of the Black President is a great compilation of his works, that showcases a lot more than a couple tracks.

Cool African groove!

Loved it. Great mix of jazz and African traditional music. Fela was an interesting guy for sure and would probably be a big star today with music being much more globally available. He had a way of never going too far in any one direction but not being boring either. More people should listen to his work.

Oh, this band is so funky... I did some searching to see what other reviews were out there, and some that I came across described the consistent rhythm, the pidgen lyrics, and rough recording style as "difficult" (Sound Collective, I'm looking at you). I love this record exactly because of all those aspects; they are features, not bugs. The mixture of African polyrhythm, jazz and funk is infectious and compelling. The political content of this album is powerful (so much so that it prompted violent retribution from the Nigerian armed forces). Fela is the real deal, no compromises, and funky as hell while he is doing it. Fela recognised the power of funk (especially James Brown) and its African roots, and translated it back into an African context. The Lost Notes podcast has a really great episode on how Fela evolved his 'highlife jazz' into Afrobeat during an ill-fated tour of the USA (https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/lost-notes/fela-kuti-los-angeles-afrobeat). This record is surprising, powerful, political, and, above all, you can dance to it.

Hoo boy. *listens to album* *enjoys jazzy Afrobeat music* *Reads Wikipedia article on album.* That was heavy. That was a lot. The music was good. This is our second Fela Kuti album on this 1001 album project. I enjoyed the first one quite a bit. It had an adventurousness to its very long stretches that made me curious about what was to come next. This one had less punch on the surface, but the under current was anything but. “Zombie” had bite to it, with long sharp teeth. Listening to and reading the history of this album makes me want to go back to last week and reevaluate”American Idiot.” “Oh you Bay Area boys thought you were writing protest music. That’s cute. How many soldiers showed up at your door because of that album? Go ahead, count, I’ll wait.” And I say that as someone who loved listening to Green Day. Overall good music. Musically, i enjoyed “Live! With Ginger Baker” slightly more than this album, but damn its pretty close. 4/5.

Historically important AND a vibe? What an intense display of talent! How insecure does a government have to be to burn down your land and fuck up your family, to the point of the eventual death of your mother? I'm very sorry it happened, but at the same time, haven't us rebels dreamed of sticking it to the man in the highest sense, cost whatever it costs? Maybe this is a careful what you wish for kind of moment. And the message? Danceable as fuck. Put this on at night with a rum fashioned in one hand, a cigar in the other, and catch my hips swinging, my shoulders crawling, my head bopping. I see myself smiling at onlookers who could only hope to be in a better mood than I am. It also pisses off oppressing regimes, like icing on a cake. I suppose when we strip it down to just how the music sounds, I know I've heard pieces by Fela that stick to me much harder than the music in this album. This can't be my favorite Fela Kuti album, but it's definitely up there. 4.3/5

Heard Before? Yes, many times. Notes: - the mix is crisp, with lots of space. - arrangements are ideal, with the right parts given just the right attention. - the writing is powerful and the lyrics spot-on. - picking a two track album for this list is insulting to Fela. c'mon! Verdict: Hugely significant and undeniably powerful songs. But still just two songs. Skip directly to "Best of the Black President". Listen Again? Of course, but in context with more Fela.

Tremendous in the moment-to-moment, but fleeting: more weirdness or more outright tunes would’ve made me love it.

Bit concerned going into this that the music wouldn't match up to the crazy story behind it. No need to worry - 4 funky, tuneful jams with a hard edge that keep moving fast throughout their extended runtimes. Boss artwork, too.

The Wikipedia article for this is surreal. Someone a lot smarter than me could make a whole paper out of this albums political rhetoric, and it could be a fantastic read. Fela Kuti aims his criticisms not at the decisions made by those who hold power, but by those who follow orders. The ending of the title track “Zombie” with the horn playing the ‘charge’ theme is a thoughtful touch to a jam track about how the Nigerian soldiers mindlessly acted on command at the time. Track two stayed on the same topic, but I loved the pocket its instrumental found. “Observation No Crime” took a more hands off approach, seeming content to let the horns do much of the talking. It’s as if he truly wanted you to give way to the songs namesake and just observe for a while. Surprised at how well a live song bookends this otherwise-studio-recorded album so well. 4/5, this didn’t have to be anywhere near my wheelhouse for me to praise it. Neat blend of Nigerian heart/rhythm with some jazz instrumentation

African protest music? Now we're talking. This is definitely an album I probably never would have come across if not for this list, which is what I was hoping for. The genre and topics are well out of my wheelhouse, but both still resonate while listening. Plus it's a just pretty good album. The music is fun, which helps with the length of the songs. There are set grooves that persist through each track, kind of like with American funk. The vocals come in and fill the middle section while there are extended sections of just beat and groove that begin and end each song. The lyrical topics were generic enough to be subtle, though I'm guessing they were plainly obvious to his intended audience. Clearly they made an impact based on what the wiki says about the aftermath. My main negative was that there just wasn't much there. Going off the original album, it's only two tracks. They were good, but it made the album feel incomplete while running short (a little over 25 minutes). It came off more like a half-album than a full one. I guess I could evaluate it with the two CD bonus tracks, but they didn't get added until way later (20+ years, if Google is to be believed). I'm hesitant to rate something based on tracks that weren't part of the actual product. In all, I liked both the music and that it had a deeper meaning. The style isn't my usual listen, but I still enjoyed it. Had it had more to it, I think I would've ranked it a bit higher. As it is, I found it a pretty good album and I'm glad I heard it. Overall: 3.6/5

I love the energy! And this is my favorite era of music.

Listened before?: No, never heard of Fela Kuti Funky protest music. I loved it.

Dang, this is great. When I saw today’s album was Fela, only 4 tracks, but 54 minutes long, I knew this would either be amazing or horrible. This album is delightful. The parallels are tenuous, but this album has adjacent vibes to Hawkwind’s Space Ritual that this project served up earlier this week.

Inject it. Love me some Fela Kuti now. This one slaps as well, but I don't think it's musically as strong as Live! Having said that, the context of this album. I looked it up and it is mental. The Nigerian government literally threw his mum out a window and killed her because he criticised them in music. And then he just kept making critical music! There is a lot of great anti-establishment music in Western art, but we are very privileged that musicians from those parts of the world don't have to worry about severe consequences from free speech, getting banned from a radio station is like the worst outcome . It's like safe mode compared to what artists like Fela Kuti have to endure. 7 / 10

Global jazz, long intro and build, beefy organic sound, super warm

VERY chill afrobeat vibes songs are 12 minutes long, which proved to be difficult when listening through the entire thing but doesnt diminish the chillax vibes

I appreciate this. I read up on the story behind the album and the meaning of the songs and it feels like a powerful and enduring work. However, there's shallower layer where Fela Kuti also reminds me of when it's the 90s and you're hanging out with a dude and he keeps playing his Fela vinyl and he's digging it more than he's digging you and it triggers an existential crisis. Maybe we could have had a 1001 albums date.

When I first saw it was only four song, without checking the time length, I assumed it was a fairly short EP. Then, before I knew it, I had listened to almost an hour of some pretty groovy jazz. Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would (especially since the album cover is less than appealing). Not going to add it to my library as I don’t imagine I will ever listen to it again, but it was definitely a great album. 4/5.

I was going to say, as a joke, that a nice change from the Fela album we heard a few days ago is the half dozen or so of his wives who joined to sing back up vocals.  But after reading wiki, they might all actually be his wives. Fuck I'm funny!   On general principle, I can't give the same same artist two 5s in one week even though I like Zombie more. I feel like the boxing judge who is worried he scored an early round wrong so makes up for it by fudging the score in a later round. 

As ever with this kind of music, if I was at the Womad Festival, the sun was shining and I had a pint in my hand... perfect! Otherwise, it's merely pleasant enough background noise.

Kinda catchy but I found it a bit monotonous. The story behind the album is craaaazy.

A 3.5 stars, he's an innovator and bought Afro style jazz/beats to the world when it wasn't so popular in main stream culture. but also the album was a wee bit flat in places. 3.5

Pleasant enough! It is interesting that music about some difficult conditions can sound so happy.

Bros just not for me too long/ too jazzy, theoretically good tho 3/5

Another album I probably wouldn’t have heard if it wasn’t for this game. Got his combo with ginger baker from wax lyrical last month, enjoyed this too.

A funk world album is such an awesome combo and I really hope there’s more of it on the list later on mmmmmmm

Ciekawe. Niewybitne ale też nie nudne. Taki afrykański jazz? 3/5

I really liked the song Zombie then I felt like I kept listening to it the whole rest of the album.

Kinda mid

even if its masterful its boring

The songs are well constructed. But not really my thing.

This drummy trumpety rhythm album resulted in the death of his mother and the destruction of his home? What?!

Good background listening if in the mood for some jazzy sax and horn repetitions. Not a style or genre for continuous listening, definitely feels of the 70's.

Definitely not my style. This music maybe better suited to being played during the ending credits of a 70’s cop show or blacksploitation karate movie.

oh no…. there’s no way is it just the same stuff repeated in every song also why is there 4 songs but it’s 53 minutes i don’t think there’s a world in which i would ever listen to this

I can't decide, if I'm just very tired, still reeling from QPR's 7-1 defeat at Coventry, or just not in the mood... But Fela's not my fella today. I struggled with the length of, and lack of variation in, the title track. As a result of that, and the fact that Jane had already turned off the hotel room lights, I'm skimmed tracks 2&3 before giving up entirely. I'm not shaking my booty to Kuti

Steely Dan is an ok artist with about 3 decent songs. His album with reeling in the years on it was acceptable. This is just pushing it. It’s alright but there is nothing that says to me ‘this is in the top 1001 albums ever written’

now something like this is why i wanted to do this in the first place!  zombie has two tracks and is about 25 minutes long and i enjoyed every minute of it.  i was not familiar with afrobeat as a genre but of course i've been hearing things influenced by it for years obviously.  i see on wikipedia that the late tony allen was the drummer and musical director of afrika 70 and i know him from the good, the bad, and the queen.  this was just great to listen to, such a solid groove and great horns.  i can't add it to my music library because it's not on apple music, but this is a solid 5/5 for me.

so fucking sick jam after jam

This is what we come for.

This is some happy music. Funky and rather beach vibey...

more fela please. 5/5.

🥞

Aaah nog een Fela Kuti!!!! Very excited!!! Het eerste nummer is… veel… niet helemaal de mood waar ik mij in verkeerde, maar dat wil niet zeggen dat het niet kneitergoed was. Wederom een echt sterk album! Helemaal in mijn straatje douze points.

Het was weer een feestje met Fela Kuti! Ik heb heerlijk op een handoekje gezeten met deze muziek op in de zon. Ik zou dit album nog 100 keer kunnen luisteren. Maar zoals een wijs broer tegen mij zei deze vakantie. Je moet ook door met je leven. Ik ga dit album nog veel vaker luisteren. Lekkere vakantieplaat. Het is een ode aan muziek uit Afrika.