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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Very long, horn-y songs

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

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.

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.

More African shit

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. 

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’

Perfect amazing kicking off my Afropsychedelic phase

The fact that this two track record with some really catchy afrobeat caused this man his commune, his mother and nearly his life is insane. Dissing the military and making it slap; Fela Kuti everyone (9/10, 5/5 on this scale)

23/1001 Fela Kuti - Zombie Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ Ever since hearing Fela Kuti on 6 Music, I loved his music and this is the only physical album I own of his. The fusion of West African music with jazz and funk work so well together. The vocals on this aren't going to be for everyone, but works for me, in this hyper political album.

I like to say protest music as a concept is overrated. It merely reflects how people are already feeling, it doesn't spur people to action. But then there's this album which is an obvious counterargument. I think the reason it works is that it doesn't insist on anything intellectual or frivolous. It is fun. It is memorable. Everybody in Nigeria irrespective of tribe or city could sing the words to Zombie because it's so damn simple. It's not a dirge, they know they are better than their oppressors.

Now this is EXACTLY the kind of thing I expect from a "1000 albums to listen to" list

really good again. fela kuti is a sleeper star. it’s giving “big band”. big fan of that. 5/5.

Fantastic, both historically and musically. Zombie!

Loved this!

My first pick and it was one I knew! Rolled my eyes, but ended up putting it on, in the spirit of the project, and kept it on all day. I mostly listened to this is the mid-aughts and filed it away as great and moved on. It is fantastic. Knowing the back story of Fela and the song only adds because the entire thing stands strong in its own. It was a nice gift to drive around listening to this all day, and not one that I knew I needed.

Yeah

It’s a 5 with and without the bonus tracks for me, its a perfect Afro-beat album and has probably the best (and horrible obviously) contexts to an album I’ve ever seen which really emphasises its message. Overall 9/10.

The don

Trailblazer. Just thankful his music lives on.

Gold standard for afrobeat. Zombie is such a powerful statement the Nigerian government raided his compound. And Tony Allen on drums oh my

Amazing.

Exceptional. The band is very cohesive and the steadiness of the rhythm section and the sharpness of the horns work really well together. Fela is one of the great musical savants of our time and this is one of the more polished offerings by him and Afrika 70. 5/5 Will definitely listen again often

this is the kind of album that should be on here

This was the first Fela I ever heard. Loved the man instantly. What a dude. The horrific history of this one sadly makes it all the better. Goes beyond being a 'protest'.

I mean this is one of the greatest records of all time but we know this. I know it, you know it. It should be mandatory listening for people with ears.

Magic.

funky and awesome 10/10

So great! Never heard this before. Talking Heads ripped him off!

This was basically just one song but it fucking slapped. I love Afrobeats now

I think this album deserves 5 stars - the funk, the groove, the lyrics, the meaning, and what it entails. This is the type of album I hoped to learn when starting this project. Brilliant!

When i was a young man in my 20's... i would always find myself in my car... for a job... or just driving... and at 2 or 2:30 PM every Tuesday, i think it was, a show would come on... "Afropop Worldwide with Georges Collinet"... and i started making sure i had it on and listened to every show... i learned about zouk... and soukous... juju... etc... and that's where i first heard the genius music of Fela Kuti... this album... is GREAT... it has four "songs" all over 12 minutes long... even though his lyrics are political... and being American i had no idea about that... but... the grooves... the beats... the playing... the singing... the pure joy of music... even though there is an underlying tone of anger... is truly amazing... FIVE Stars...

The sort of album I wanted to find when I started this. Would have probably never listened to it otherwise, and very glad I did.

Jazzy grooves that were the perfect backdrop to an afternoon of outdoor working.

First off, while I’m not quite sure what’s going on in this album cover, it slaps hard. This is the second four track jazz album from the seventies I’ve gotten in a row. Title track starts off strong before getting into its rhythm. However, right before it gets too repetitive, Fela comes in with his coarse voice and simple, yet evocative lyrics. He begins his criticism of the Nigerian military government with a song about how the soldiers are zombies who can’t and won’t think for themselves, reflecting on the danger of that situation. Ultimately the whole thing concludes with a wonderful finale of trumpets that feel both triumphant as well as distorted. “Mr. Follow Follow” is another twelve minute epic that builds to its first word from Fela. This time, speaking about the importance of leaders in relation to their followers. Some people that are followed are cockroaches, rats, ikan (termite?), and darkness. So, brother, if you end up being followed, you must keep your eyes, ears, and mouth to be able to use your senses. This is where the original ends, but it feels a hell of a lot more realized with the additional two songs on the reissue, so that’s the album I’m rating. “Observation Is No Crime” continues the trend of waiting until the middle of the song to start singing. Fela fakes confusion about why the government becomes irritated when the citizens observe what they are doing in detail. The instrumentation is invasively groovy. Every beat, note, intonation, and timing is perfect. Finishing again in an off kilter feeling harmony of trumpets. This takes us to the final song on the album, “Mistake (Live At the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1978)”. I really like the decision to include a live song on this album. It’s important to hear the voices of the masses. To feel how voluminous the oppressed are. Obviously, we’re in Germany, so the people Fela is singing for are thousands of miles away, but the effect is still appreciated. By me at least. The audience cheers when Fela takes his trumpet for a solo. There’s a feeling of togetherness that he achieves. It’s only when everyone feels unified that he starts singing that “everything is alright” before reminding the crowd to remember that “everything is all wrong”. He explains if you make a mistake, you can fix it and still stand tall afterwards. If not you will be ashamed to walk down the road and that’s when you get things like colonial and slavery thinking and army killing students. When he gets to the end of these verses and the chorus takes over we can hear the crowd roar up again as a reminder of the importance of standing together. This album finished with a cacophony of instruments all working to achieve a feeling that everything can be alright if people start to fix it, but the cacophony fades out rather than building to a finale. The song feels unfinished, the album feels unfinished, the work feels unfinished. There was still work to be done and the fight wasn’t over and it still isn’t. I really enjoy this album. It’s funky and you can groove, but it’s also really important and moving, especially given what Fela had just gone through personally with the government killing his mother. One of the best jazz albums of all time and perhaps the best Nigerian jazz album of all time. I love this thing so fucking much, man. 5/5

Three weeks ago I had the Ginger Baker album by Fela Kuti. So I expected a lot when this came up. And my expectations were kept. Great album by a great musician.

According to the Wikipedia this guy had 27 wives and this album was credited with starting a revolution in Nigeria in the 70's. That makes total sense to me because this album is absolutely awesome. Love the chill blend of jazz horns and African rhythms. I listened to this 3 times yesterday and will probably keep it in my daytime background music rotation for some time to come.

Holy shit, this is so good! This is some of the most energetic, captivating, and fun protest music I've ever heard! I'll definitely be checking out more of his music

Few things can be political and also feel and sound so fun.

The Revolution has never been funkier. What a great record; meeses a second listen, but I get it now with Fela. The jams can feel daunting but it’s worth it for the punch. Awesome stuff.

Awesome. Favorite song: observation is no crime.

More of this please! Excellent Afro Cuban jazz

Really good. Liked the energy and social commentary. Also liked the automatic Spotify suggestions after it. Music that gets you moving

Amazing on multiple levels

Fantastic music. Works for a party and casual listening but is also engaging. Great production

Very fun. Makes me want to drink a rum cocktail

Never heard this before. Loved it.

I’ve been meaning to explore Afrobeat because I enjoy global music like Khruangbin. So happy I was given the opportunity to listen to this. Great sound.

a jorro jaro jorro! this song is so good

Fantastic fun Afro beats

In my opinion, this is precisely the album that this list was made for. Absolutely timeless, influential to entire generations and literal nations, and all of that created and played by a one-in-a-billion musical talent.

Could get lost in this. Hypnotic and powerful. More so, when you know the profound and tragic story about the Nigerian dictatorship and how they responded with cowardly violence. Kuti had great innovation as a musician and great bravery in life. Highly recommended.

Loved it. Great political story behind it too.

Astonishing.

Thats an amazing album no doubt. The best afro-beat

First afrobeat album I ever heard! Wish I had stumbled upon this on my own, but this is why we make friends with people cooler than ourselves. Simple and powerful message, funky and primal as fuck.