Zombie
Fela Kuti
1977
Album Summary
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.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.
WikipediaYES 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’
This guy used his craft to stick it to the man and paid the ultimate price for it, then got back up and did it again. An incredible story. The songs are bangers, too. Best track: Zombie
fantastic, nog nooit so naar afrobeat geluisterd en wat dit album heeft gedaan voor nigeria echt top genieten van begin tot eind
The first song reminded me of the first time I listened to the Stray Cats for some odd reason and I just got all types of fired up
I love this album. A jazz maestro at his peak, blendign African rhythms and backing with his own genius playing.
i fucked with this heavy, it took a couple days to get to but this is going right in the study music rotation
i don't know how to rate this, but it FEELS awesome, so i bet it IS awesome. Also this dude had like 27 wives
Quizá mi calificación para este disco sorprenda, pero hay una justificación interesante: el estilo musical de Fela (al menos en este disco) es una mezcla de Jazz y Funk con ritmos tradicionales Yoruba, y la música afrocubana tiene una influencia importante de los ritmos Yoruba. A pesar de que sus canciones "duran mucho", tienen una musicalización y una vocalización que las hacen muy agradables, casi casi dan ganas de bailar, lo cuál contrasta significativamente con los motivos de su letra. Seguramente la situación política de Nigeria en los 70's fue muy complicada, y no justifica lo que el gobierno hizo con Fela, pero la verdad el amigo si estaba medio loquito. Es una fortuna que su "locura" abonara a la creación de este disco tan interesante.
First two songs definitely the standouts, but this whole album is a jam. Remember dad playing this, horns and drums killer and the limited vocals all hit hard.
I’ve been a Fela fan for a long time, so was really happy to see this album. Love side one (that’s song one and two for you youngsters who didn’t grow up on vinyl). Side two was good, but didn’t have the catch of the other two songs. The interplay of the Sax, organ, drums and guitars are phenomenal. I even like the brass here; usually horns are not my favorite. Afrobeat jamming at its best. This is a 4.5, but I’m rounding up due to the artist and the album’s superiority to Kate Bush and Super Fury Animals. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Listworthy? = 👍
Saved Prior: None Off Rip Tier: 2. Mr. Follow Follow 1. Zombie Overall Notes: This was really really good. Brave politics and boomin' beats. 25 minutes of vital music.
Killer funky afrobeat album with a powerful antimilitaristic message on top. Definitely a classic worthy of this project.
Really loved it, never heard of him but got pleasantly surprised. Only 5 songs in the album, but around 12/13 mins each. Early rock/soul vibes, very chill with good riffs, loved it.
This is the kind of music that deserves 5 stars just because of its existence. It's not the best Jazz album that I listened to here on this list, but that has very good songs with some meaning. The Wikipedia article here is essential to understand the album.
Outstanding album by Fela. A stunning act of political courage on his part, and a testament to the power of music. Fave Songs: Zombie, Mr. Follow Follow
Knew this was one of the best known Fela Kuti albums but never got to listen to it. A few days ago I made a mistake with giving a +2 score for Os Mutantes way too early. Did not want to make the same mistake. So listened a few times to Zombie - only two songs after all :-) - and really started to like them: great rhythms and hardly noticed the second time that they both last for 12 minutes or.
The title track alone makes this an album worthy of classic status. But there's much more here than just that epic. Each of the 5 songs are worthy exercises in jazz / afro beat greatness. 5 🌟
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.
Hah hah yes! Awesome! By turns funky, chill, groovy and banging. An archetypal afrobeat album. Fave track - "Zombie" for upbeat, "Mr. Follow, Follow" for chill
As a fan of progressive jazz and acid jazz this took it to a whole new level and I can't believe I've never heard it before! The afrobeats and percussion that go along with it it is just amazing
It turns out that I love afro beat! Really fun, engaging, and interesting to listen to, and not as dense or challenging as I would have thought. Brilliant, hope to hear more from Fela and his various bands. P.s. read the Wikipedia page to see how his government reacted to the success of this album - showing why it was needed.
OH YESSS love a bit of afrobeats, this is the real stuff. Holy shit though I can't believe the levels of controversy in the history of this album and I'm so sad to hear about Kuti's mother, heart breaking. That kind of sums up exactly the message he was trying to send out with this album... I can't believe the juxtaposition of how happy this makes me feel but also how sad it truly is. That's art!
Great but sad story behind this album. I love being able to trace history through music, and this certainly delivers. Fantastic afrobeat tunes
Goddamn what a fucking tour of force this album is. Insanely catchy, insanely influential (on both the global scene and on the country in which it was created) and nothing less than a masterpiece.
Oh, this band is so funky... I did some searching to see what other reviews were out there, and some that I came across (sound collective, I'm looking at you) found the consistent rhythm, the pidgen lyrics, and rough recording style difficult. I love all those aspects. 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.
Seems like this list has a real preference for jazz that is heavy as shit. I'm not complaining. Just observing.
Thank you for giving me this. It's the album I need to play when I'm in a certain mood, but didn't know it existed, so I played some twaddle instead. Mint.
Wow what an amazing album. The title track is a true de force of infectious African poly rhythms and jazz melodies. An amazing song. The rest of tgealbum; more of the same. Reminds me of the revelation of my first listen to Miles' In A Silent Way 5 🌟
I only knew this album from GTA series before, but listening to it all the way through for the first time this is excellent Afrobeat.
A very good album with a very intesting backstory. I never would listen to this if it wasn't recommended to me. It was neat learning and researching this album Each song is around twelve minutes longs with nice jazzy sections and sing song type vocals. The song ZOMBIE has some some very unique intro mental. Then it break out into some protest vocals. If I has to critical of this album the song MR. FOLLOW FOLLOW Is kinda of boring in some place, but other then that this is probably beat on generated for me so far
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.
Awesome funky afrobeat jazz. Loads of groove and very very tight rhythms. Brilliant title track. Slower second. Extended album featured the excellent live “Mistake”. Nonetheless, Zombie on its own is so good.
Rebellious, life affirming and powerful. Music here as protest with serious consequences in the real world. Talent oozing from these musicians, jaw dropping polyphonic rhythms, stabbing horns and those charismatic vocals, some record here by Fela.
First time listening to this music. Really vibrant! Looking at the history of this record was interesting
Very catchy start and interesting sound! But the songs were too long for my taste or not various enough for this lenght. Would give a 3,5.
Weird Reagea-Jazz with very clear messaging. Not much more to say, it was a good listen.
I was excited about this one because I enjoyed Fela Kuti's live album (w/ Ginger Baker) so much. I still think that's the better album, but this one is no slouch either. Excellent African rhythms and drums horns, with a good political message underneath it.
Was a bit apprehensive after getting yet another Fela Kuti album but this one is very different, much less frenetic Afro-beat and more Afro-jazz, it meanders at a more relaxed pace and has a more serious political tone.
Cool in context, and fun enough in general, one of my favorite "big band" albums so far.
Fela groovt sich mit zunehmender Zeit hypnotisch in die Ohrmuschel, frisst sich smooth ins Hirn, breaking & entering my mind, body just follow follow. (Haben Can sich hiervon eine dicke Scheibe gegönnt?) Virtuos instinktive 3.8
Dosc niecodzienny pik listowy, bo muzyka ani to hamerykanska, ni brytyjska, a tym razem afrykanska, afrobeat prosto z nigerii lat 70, bedacym panstwem rzadzonym przez wojskowe junty, zmagajacym sie z nieposzanowaniem jakichkolwiek praw, no i jak przystalo na afryke z wszelaka bieda, takie tlo na ktorym powstal ten albumik, sam Fela Kuti nie byl wlacznie grajkiem, ale takze aktywista politycznym dlatego glownym themem jest tutaj wlasnie militarny rzad, ktory mozemy utozsamiac z tytulowym zombie, orginalne wydanie zawiera tylko dwa ponad 12 minutowe traki zombie i mr follow follow, ktore juz samymi tytulami jasno wskazuja o czym beda traktowac, reedycja zawiera dodatkowy trak observation no crime i zapis live kawalka mistake z berlinskiego jazz festiwalu w 78, Kuti byl wspierany tutaj przez bande znana pod nazwa Africa 70, jak na nigeryjska muzyke i okreslenie afrobeat jak dla mnie brzmi to jazzem lat 60, dosc surowym w wykonaniu, ale jedak juz granym w wiekszych bandach, bo troche instrumentow mozna tutaj naliczyc, ale dokladnego skladu grajcego nie potrafilem znalezc, co natomiast wyroznia ten material od typowego jazzu sa wstawki wokalne, wykorzystanie chorkow, ktore nie tylko w rytm sie zgrywaja z swoimi wstawkami, ale nieraz same nadaja tempa traku, gdzie wystepuje licytacja miedzy chantem chorowym, a Kutim na glowym wokalu, ktory tak samo jak chorkowe wykonany jest w typowo afrykanskim ingliszu, wiec dosc prostym i z typowa skladnia, ciekawa postacia jest sam wykonawca, bo jako dzialacz polityczno spoleczny, tak bardzo mial w niesmaku wladze, ze postanowil stworzyc wlasna niepodlegla komune, brzmi niezle, ale jesli dodamy do tego, ze mial wlasny harem 27 zon nadaje to prawdziwie afrykanski klimat opowiesci, po wydaniu zombie rozmontowali mu komune, ale muzyka przezyla i jest swiadectwem jak sztuka potrafi walczyc z systemem, na plejke wrzucilem oba orginalne traki, bo sposob w jaki nagrany zostal mistake pozostawia wiele do zyczenia
I don't have a lot to say about this one, but I thought it was really catchy and fun. (And a good, short album to follow up after yesterday's pick).
not _super_ into Afrobeat but it's a warmer-temperature aesthetic not dissimilar to Bitches' Brew. liking the revolutionary undertones
Funky Jazz Album. Anothwr album with long songs Zombie gets a little repetitive for my tastes I think but all thenother songs have good development and interjections that make them worth listening to, unlike Bat out of Hell
Pretty much every Fela Kuti album is a really excellent song the album is named after followed by a good song that can't quite live up to the main attraction. Zombie is one of Kuti's best songs but Mr. Follow Follow is even more forgettable than some of his other secondary tracks. I had, in fact, literally forgotten what came after Zombie. Still, it's not BAD. Solid 4 overall, best album yet.
powerful with and without the heavy context behind it of resistance to military rule in Nigeria. aside from its meaning, it also communicates on a physical level in a way that's hard to find an equal to – its extended groove is irresistible
An absolutely amazing Track 1. 4 tracks of afrobeat jazz. The surprise when the vocals kicked in 5 minutes into the song created an intensity that I'm always searching for in my music. A hugely interesting and enjoyable album - matched only by the story of the man.
Sehr gut zum Uni machen und nebenbei hören, fand es sehr entspannt und mochte die Instrumente sehr.
Awesome album, short but still fulfilling. The songwriting is great although I had a hard time understanding the vocalist.
Something completely different. For long songs, it was incredibly funky. Didn't love it but will be a recurring listen
A catchy protest album. Who knew that could happen? Fela Kuti’s band here is tighter than any other band ever tried to be, and he is full of rage and energy and channels it into songs that energize you fully. Twelve minute songs that you actually want to hear through to the end.
This is what I’ve been waiting for, something wild and different. Great rhythms, an actual message, and kinetic intensity. Hell yeah.
A pioneer of Afrobeat at the intersection of jazz and West African rhythm and instruments. Interesting to hear the political history behind this album and Kuti. Dude married two dozen women and had them his back up singers. Tracks flow well and have a lot of diversity in itself, maintaining the rhythm while trying out various instruments and vocals. Very well produced. You can hear the inspiration of soul and funk, especially in the third track. Fourth track was the weakest but still pleasant and would definitely get a huge applause out of me if that played at my jazz festival.
What a cool f'n album. Had no idea who this guy was, but what a story, especially how this album was beloved by the public but incensed the Nigerian government. Now those are powerful lyrics. And his delivery (and his backing band's) is electric. I love Zombie by the Cranberries but I think I have to Kuti's Zombie right up there with it. The album is really just two songs. Zombie kicks serious ass. Mr. Follow Follow isn't quite as good but it still deserves respect.
Before I heard Fela Kuti, I heard Femi Kuti (his son). A co-worker then introduced me to Fela. I do really enjoy west African music, and this is classic.
This was a cool album. Always nice to have a departure from familiar genres. Nothing too special about it, but great rhythms and just an enjoyable groove. Just a few songs, all very long, but the kind of long songs that I enjoy. Basically the polar opposite of that Goldie album we had recently that overstayed its welcome. Favorite tracks: Zombie, Mr. Follow Follow. Album art: Hard to tell exactly what's going on here. A collage of soldiers, and Fela is pointing a finger gun at one of them? Is he accusing soldiders of being zombies? I'm not sure. It looks alright though, and the bold, colorful text design is really great. 4/5
I liked this more than I expected - definitely fusion music, but bringing the best of both.
Very jazzy. First time I've heard reggae elements in jazz. Lots of movement to the music.
Nice jazzy after-beat album. Just 4 songs but each has a pretty unique sound and the lyrics get straight to the point of what they’re trying to say. The horn work really made this album for me. 7/10
Frenetic and contagious. This one was a chant for freedom and art. I will always applaud meaningful art! Sorry to see the aftermath caused by this album. Death and war is the language of tyranny
What a life this guy has lived..and yet with such tragedy, comes uplifting music despite themes and lyrics rooted in darkness. Quite a unique blend and I really enjoyed the two pieces. Great dynamics and a great overall runtime.
I listened to the album before reading about it, just to mix things up (usually I read about it before listening). I enjoyed it musically - I've always been drawn to Afrobeat/ music of Africa. I obviously didn't know what each song was about specifically, but the passion and energy was undeniable throughout. I learned that this is a political album - it's criticism of the Nigerian government likely resulted in Fela's commune being attacked by Nigerian soldiers. His mother was killed in that attack, and Fela was severely beaten. Also, he formed the commune which declared itself independent of the Nigerian government. He played multiple instruments, had multiple wives at once, and is widely regarded as the pioneer of the Afrobeat style.
Like it, as i´m not a jazz export, don´t know if it´s really exceptional, but it swings, has spirit and uses vocals like an instrument rather than spitting lyrics
4 very long songs, but it is so dynamic that the hour of listening passes very quickly. Ideal of cooking hours.
Not entirely sure how to rate this album. I thought it was pretty good and the story behind it is awesome. A lot of the songs had these weird moments of awkwardness that affected my enjoyment. Between 3 and 4 stars but closer to 4.
Never really listened to anything like this before, really fantastic! Really great beat and horns that just loop and drive without tiring. Lyrics to Zombie stood out, so I did some research. I feel like this is the type of music that has so much more impact with background - or using it as a way to educate. You can hear so many things that influenced so much music. I enjoyed this one :-)
Tykkäsin listalla aiemmin olleesta Fela Kutin levystä ja ei tämäkään huono ollut. Sopivalla tempolla soitettua jatsia, ei liian vikkelää. Se jokin erityisyys tästä kuitenkin jäi puuttumaan, joten joutuu arpomaan kolmosen ja nelosen välillä. Pyöristetään vaihteeksi ylöspäin!
Interesting listen, not usually the type of music I listen to, but it kept my attention all the way through. I especially like the instrumentals and the Afro-beats are so infectious and energetic, it brought warmth to my otherwise chilly day! Nice!
Not a genre I would have likely discovered on my own. I really like this album. Good arrangements with powerful significance behind the songs.
Super chill funky stuff considering the subject matter and controversy. Pretty good background music.