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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Great for cooking and chilling

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

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

Very long, horn-y songs

LOVELY, thicc jazz

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.

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

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

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.

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.

More African shit

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.

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

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.

Mesmerising Tantalising

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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.

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’

I’m very aware of Feli and his influence but this may be the first time i actually sat down and consciously listened to an album. What a treat.

### **In-Depth Review: *Zombie* by Fela Kuti** Released in **1977**, *Zombie* is not just an album—it’s a **political weapon**, a **musical manifesto**, and arguably **Fela Kuti’s most incendiary work**. With his band **Africa 70**, Fela crafted a record that would shake the Nigerian military dictatorship and reverberate globally. The album originally featured just **two tracks**—“Zombie” and “Mr. Follow Follow”—but its impact was seismic. --- ### 🎶 **Musical Style and Production** Musically, *Zombie* is a **masterclass in Afrobeat**, a genre Fela pioneered by fusing **Yoruba rhythms**, **highlife**, **jazz**, and **funk**. The album’s **groove is hypnotic**, built on **Tony Allen’s polyrhythmic drumming**, which anchors the entire soundscape. The **basslines are deep and looping**, the **guitars interlock in circular riffs**, and the **horn section**—sharp, bold, and brassy—acts as both melody and weapon. The **production is analog and raw**, capturing the **live energy** of Fela’s performances. The tracks stretch beyond 12 minutes each, allowing the groove to evolve organically. This is **not music for passive listening**—it demands immersion. The **call-and-response vocals**, a staple of African musical tradition, are used here to **mobilize and provoke**, not just entertain. > “The low end is relentless, a wave that pushes through the chest and into the spine... the groove becomes a landscape, one you can walk through and discover new details each time.” --- ### 🖋️ **Lyrics and Themes** Lyrically, *Zombie* is **scathing satire**. The title track mocks Nigerian soldiers as **mindless automatons**, using the metaphor of a zombie to highlight their **blind obedience to authority**: > “Zombie no go go, unless you tell am to go / Zombie no go think, unless you tell am to think.” This was **not just artistic expression**—it was **direct confrontation**. Fela’s lyrics, delivered in **pidgin English**, were **accessible to the masses**, and their **subversive power** lay in their simplicity and repetition. The song became an **anti-military anthem**, galvanizing public dissent. The second track, **“Mr. Follow Follow”**, continues the theme of **blind conformity**, critiquing not just soldiers but **society’s willingness to obey without question**. --- ### 🔥 **Political Impact and Legacy** The **Nigerian government’s response** to *Zombie* was **brutal and immediate**. In retaliation, **over 1,000 soldiers raided Fela’s Kalakuta Republic**—a communal studio and residence—**beating residents**, **raping women**, and **burning the compound to the ground**. Fela’s **mother was thrown from a window** and later died from her injuries . Despite the **tragic aftermath**, *Zombie* became a **rallying cry** for resistance. It **galvanized a generation** of Nigerians and **inspired global activists and musicians**. The album’s **influence can be heard** in the works of **Talking Heads**, **Brian Eno**, **Sons of Kemet**, and even **Beyoncé**, who sampled Fela’s chants in her 2018 Coachella performance . > “Zombie proved how powerful Kuti’s word really was... the military junta’s actions only reinforced its critiques.” --- ### ✅ **Pros of *Zombie*** - **Musical Innovation**: A landmark in Afrobeat, with complex rhythms and layered instrumentation. - **Lyrical Courage**: Bold, satirical, and politically charged lyrics that challenged authoritarianism. - **Cultural Impact**: Sparked national conversation and became a symbol of resistance. - **Timeless Groove**: The music remains infectious and powerful decades later. - **Production Quality**: Analog warmth and live feel enhance the immersive experience. --- ### ❌ **Cons of *Zombie*** - **Length and Repetition**: The long, repetitive structures may not appeal to listeners used to concise song formats. - **Accessibility**: The heavy use of pidgin and cultural references may require context for full appreciation. - **Niche Appeal**: Afrobeat’s dense, groove-based style can be an acquired taste for some. --- ### 🧠 **Final Thoughts** *Zombie* is **more than an album**—it’s a **historical document**, a **political act**, and a **sonic revolution**. It captures Fela Kuti at the height of his powers: **musically inventive**, **lyrically fearless**, and **morally unyielding**. The album’s **pros far outweigh its cons**, especially when viewed in the context of its **cultural and political significance**. To listen to *Zombie* is to **witness music as resistance**, to feel the **pulse of a people demanding freedom**, and to understand why **Fela Kuti remains immortal** not just as a musician, but as a **revolutionary**. --- **Rating: 9.5/10** **Essential Listening For**: Afrobeat fans, political music historians, and anyone who believes in the power of art to challenge oppression.

absolute heater. gotta listen to more of this

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

Loved this!! Did not know this artist before

An interesting album to say the least for a guy who has a pretty interesting background (read up on him before the listen). This album is pretty ahead of its time, but not in instrumentation, in messaging and protest. While protest music did exist, this one really antagonized Fela Kuti's country of Nigeria and their military specifically. It was a brave and bold stance for Fela Kuti, considering the aftermath of this album's release. With the messaging in the album, it infuriated the Nigerian government so much to a point where his mother got killed by the military, his village being destroyed, and his studio getting destroyed. Fela Kuta was an activist at heart and a musician by soul, these events really showed what he was willing to do to expose a corrupt and authoritarian regime. But, I think I would be remiss if I didn't mention how great this album sounded. It's groovy and head bopping in all the right ways. It is a pretty inspiring listen and definitely something you should listen to as well because I had a good time listening to it. Favorite Songs: Zombie, Mr. Follow Follow, Mistake Rating: 5/5

Great stuff. No notes.

To me Fela Kuta always sounds like nothing I've ever heard, even when I've heard his stuff before

This here is exactly why one does a project like this. I'm in my mid-60s. I listen to a lot of music and many different genres (admittedly my faves are punk/post-punk bands) and today I received this gift from the music-gods (as unreal as any other gods, but there you go). Thank you sky-genies for bringing this into my life. Yes...5 stars! (Now I will check out his/their back-catalog...more music for my MP3 library!)

Genial

Amazing!!

5 stars. Really enjoy Fela Kuti, and only a few days ago learned about his son Fema Kuti and his album. This is definitely an iconic album.

Total classic, Fela Kuti creates a groove like no other

One of the strongest albums by one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century

Quel personnage que Fela Kuti. J'aimerais lire plus sur sa vie mouvementée. Un rebel et contestataire. Des passes moins claires comme la fois qu'il a marié 27 femmes d'un coup (protection de sa communauté vs polygamie très machiste). J'écoute quand même assez souvent du Fela Kuti parmi ses 46 albums studio. Faut le faire quand même. Mon frère Gerry Love a il y a quelques années été dans je ne sais plus quel musée à Paris et il m'avait envoyé une photo d'une vitrine d'exposition avec une bonne quinzaine de slips ''speedo'' colorés de Fela.

Sensational album, no flaws. His 27 wives provide great backing vocals. The story behind the aftermath of this album is slightly horrifying but yeah. This is going into the permanent rotation

Feels like a defiance to the dictatorship while also grieving for the passing of his mum.

i knew the title track but had never listened to the whole record. i'm glad i finally did!!!! shout-out tony allen.

I love just about all Fela, bit this one's pretty special. I don't think my favorite stuff is even here, but I'll never get sick of it.

Wowza. What a record. Immediately downloaded. Great to listen to when doing work. Googled him later and found out he once married 27 women in one day - what a geezer, but NOT a sleaze. Go 'ed Fela. 5 stars.

This album is like heading home from hanging out at a park with your friends, and finding a street carnival is going on just around the corner. The sounds are vibrant, and the air is thick with the aroma of street food. You senses are overloaded with the smell of meat cooked in a wide array of spices, while your eyes are greeted with bright colours everywhere you look. You can hear people chanting purposefully near the band a few hundred metres away. You can't make out what they are saying, but it sounds purposeful. Heat is rising from the asphalt as children run around chasing a soccer ball. Even though the sun is at it's hottest, and you know it has been four or five hours since you last applied the Hawaiian Tropic, you can't pull yourself way from this mini carnival. A man with a straw hat and a huge smile offers you a beer and thanks you for coming out and showing your support. You feel too sheepish to tell him you don't know what you are supporting, especially as he might take that ice-cold beer back from you. You decide to stick around for a bit, and before you know it the sun is coming down. After a few more beers and some amazing chicken and rice covered in spices your palette doesn't recognize, a woman grabs the band's microphone and thanks everyone for coming out today. She finishes her quick speech by boasting that there's no way they can't hear us now. You're not sure who 'they' are, but you really hope they listen.

Fresh, Jazzy, Funky. A great ride. Goes by fast despite its moderate run time and leaves you wanting more. While other jazz influenced albums can be all pomp, pretentiousness and show offy, there is none here. All feels authentic

Amazing.

This album is partially responsible for me being able to finish writing my master's thesis, so a five-star rating comes naturally from my end. Personal experiences aside, afrobeat never sounded as fun and hypnotic as on this album.

Fela Kuti is a force of nature, and this is Fela at the height of his powers. Nigerian Afrobeat is fully a force by this album. The political message super on point, the long grooves are everything you want and need. The title track is obviously the standout here, but Mr. Follow picks up on a more deep cut groove right after. Everything flows together smoothly as could be expected. These guys are the kings of vibe. If only Fela was better known in the West... but then we wouldn't have all the 15 minute jam songs. Mistkae is an underappreciated deep cut that definitely bangs. Clean 5/5, and props to Dimery for having two Fela albums on this list (so far!).

Fela is one of my favorites and this is one of his best. Plus, it's only 25 minutes long! Funky, angry, tight... Love it!

Tycker Fela Kutis musik är så himla häftig. Groovig, fantastiskt att ha i bakgrunden om man vill men också otrolig att lyssna på. 5/5!

This album reeks of contempt for the Nigerian government. Just 4 tracks but each with their own unique approach. Banger, need more like this. 9/10

One track in and this shit rules! This rocks. Must listen to more

ZOMBIEOO ZOMBIE ZOMBIEEE BRRRAPP BRAPP

Love me some afrobeat, and it's very interesting Nigerian history, but I played this album to death a couple of years ago

Absolutely brilliant. I didn't really start listening to Afro-beat until later in life, and have known that Fela is an absolute legend, but haven't heard much of his music before. The original 2 song album would have been a 4, but the 2 added tracks on the remastered CD (particularly the live recording of "Mistake") bring it up to a 5.

Such an amazing disk, fela kuti has an interesting story

This project has revealed that in fact, I do like jazz. Even better that it's against the backdrop of of those high energy beats. Need to listen to more Afrobeats. Respect for someone who walked the walk and paid the price for speaking out against injustice.

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.