Live!

This is an album to put once the sun sets and let the rhythm take you on a ride. The first song and the album's most famous export, Let's Start, is groovy and effortless. The music beckons your spirit to sing along. Black Man's Cry is a jam session that simmers as Fela's voice soars. Ye Ye De Smell is the album's hidden highlight as a musical manifestation of a train marching at full speed. Egbe Mi O carries the swagger and confidence of a midnight stroll. The ending benefits of a live audience that somehow makes the album feel present, even decades after its recording. The finale is a decadent drum solo, or rather, a duel between two masters of their craft. If you haven't been dancing like possessed throughout the runtime of this album, you're not listening.

Some pretty nice live jam style stuff, good groove to it all. 4 stars

An old joke: “what does Ginger Baker and coffee have in common? They both suck without Cream” Me as a kid thought it was hilarious and objective truth, but guess what? I’m mature now. That’s right bitch I like jazz. Fela Kuti is awesome and Ginger is awesome on this album, and I even love the extended drum soloing. I’d still like cream with my coffee though, thanks

Great African jazz, fun listen!

Great listen! Chill af!

A cracking recommendation, alongside a legend in Ginger Baker so there were always gonna be drums (but maybe too many). Seems like an interesting fella…great listen

-this was amazing i had a great time listening to this -the instruments all move together perfectly and smoothly -the bass has an incredible tone -fast at times but then slows down to a very nice pace - the 16 min drum soli was also incredible, i was engaged for the entire time

This is what the list is for. Incredible find

Uppfriskande med lite afrobeat. Har lyssnat på Fela massor med gånger utan att veta om det eller utan att veta vad med Fela som spelas. Ett household name på Nefs dansgolv under 90talet och hur många gånger har inte Mats Nileskär spelat Fela i p3 soul? Föga oväntat föredrar jag de funkigare elementen framför de jazziga. Så utomordentligt svängigt att det nästan blir löjligt. Går det ens att vara still till det här? Man vill bara svettas i ett tokigt rus. Trumsolo är dock aldrig okej, inte ens om det är Tony Allen som lirar. Vi kan lika gärna konstatera det här och nu att Tony Allen är rent objektivt musikhistoriens bästa trummis, rent objektivt alltså, det är ingen åsikt ens. Avslutningspartiet på "Black man's cry" är magnifikt, när Fela kvider och allting liksom studsar runt omkring. Men egentligen skiter jag i vilken låt som spelas, vad den heter, hur lång den är osv. Det är inte poängen här, det är funkens primala kraft och osviklighet. Det blir en stark trea, utan trumsolo hade det varit en fyra i de högre regionerna. Men ett album på fem spår där tjugo procent är trumsolo måste också få sina konsekvenser.

8/10 - amazing African Jazz, I can see how this genre influenced salsa so much, not only is the music good but the vocals are filled with passion

Ginger Baker is incredible. 15 min drum solo? why not

This is not something I'm really into. But today I was and thought it was great

Brilliant energy and a whole new genre for me. Had not heard of Fela Kuti before, and this is the kind of thing I wanted to hear more of, doing this project. 8/10

Enjoyed this much more than I thought I was going to, really caught my attention from the start and had me bopping. That said, nobody needs a sixteen-minute drum solo.

jazz is one of my favourite music genres so i without of a doubt would love this album. The only thing i dont like is the intros but thats because it was recorded live. but that being the only thing that throws me off is why it is rated so high for me

Sick

Yep that's definitely why I wanted to check out this list. I always wanted to listen to African music scene but didn't find time or whatever. I still want to listen to Kenyan rock scene and etc. Album starts pretty good I like it's groovy beginning. I think starting track feels pretty weak to second one which is more livelier to me. So I feel there's a lot of improvisation on that album and I like it. I think it's a decent and fun album to listen and I like it. 4/5

Malo koji album bi me mogao natjerati da odslušam i bonus pjesmu od 16+ minuta, ali ovo je tako brzo proletilo, kao da je hipnoza u formi muzike. Ginger je jedini bijelac koji je ikad mogao biti dostojan ovakvog albuma.

A jazz blast from the past to get you off your ass.

It sounded more like bob Marley. It was 6.5

Funky, jazzy, great live recording. Sounds like my kinda party.

Amazing energy throughout and very funky.

Never heard of them! (Except GB.) But so glad I've now heard them.

Fantastisches Drum-Album

I guess I'm a fan of Fela Kuti. This is the first time I've listened to his music and it's great. The mix of jazz, funk, african rhythms is incredible. I wanted to and did dance through this whole thing. Also, Ginger Baker proves time and time again that he was one of the greatest drummers of all time. However, the pieces do go for a little too long and it was unnecessary for the drum solo at the end to be 16 minutes long. All in all, a great and interesting listen. I will listen to Fela Kuti again. 4/5

Quite enjoyable if you like the sound. I think I do. Hard to describe offhand.

Banger! De to numre med ginger baker er så gode

Det lød pissegodt, virkelig groovy. Det er et meget 1001 Albums move lige at udvælge den liveplade hvor Fela Kuti spiller sammen med Ginger Baker -- vi vil gerne have noget Etnisk™ Musik, men helst den slags der specifikt er rettet mod et vestligt publikum

To my uneducated ear it has a 70s vibe, easy to listen to. Lively jazz-beat. ‘Tribal’ vibe

The first four songs are awesome, the funky groove is just amazing. I also love the length of these songs, because i think that vibe really needs the time to fully build up. In the end you want just more of it. The drum solo on the other hand, felt a bit unnecessary for me. 4,5/5

4.5

This was pretty cool. Really dug the drumming. I think I like Afrobeat and will explore it more down the road.

This is a pretty fantastic album. I don't know how I feel about Ginger Baker here, cause I feel like he both adds and detracts with such a different style, but it mostly works, as long as you're into that big drum duet song. I think there's better Fela, but I still love it.

Never heard of Fela Kuti before and didn't expect this album to sound as it did. It is extremely fun and the performances are full of life and energy. The rhythms are so infectious that they had me moving all along the record. My only complain is that I wish the more relaxed moments were a little bit shorter, as they can feel a little repetitive when waiting for the more explosive and electric parts. Overall, I loved this album. So simple but yet so effective.

Snelle inhaal review #15: De meeste albums van Fela Kuti zijn volgens mij live albums te noemen, dus in dat opzichte een wat vreemde titel. En ja, het laatst album is een puur drum nummer, maar wel eentje met de twee van de beste drummers die ooit hebben geleefd, show some respect. Zeer vermakelijk uurtje!

I like it, a lot..Never heard it before, but will be listening again, a lot!!

Fun album! Really loved the energy. Actually saving this one. Ginger Baker rocks

Loved most of this and would listen to it again. So many brilliant solos. A great discovery and reason for doing the 1001 albums. Keeping the 5-star rating for the absolute top though

Musicalmente hablando es un 11/10 No me atrapa totalmente pero es bueno, me hace sentir en un espacio muy seguro ambientable y movible

Gear: HEDD Audio HEDDphone Two Artwork: 🕺🏿🎉🕺 Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🔥〰️💣〰️💥 Rating: 🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿(🕺🏿)/5

1. Black Man's Cry 2. Ye Ye De Smell 3. Egbe Mi O

8/10

It's funky, jazzy and full of interesting rhythms. As a live concert this would have been amazing and a definite 5, but for me listening at home it felt like they were jamming for a little too long on all of the tracks and each one had some dead spots.

I think this might be the second Fela album I’ve come across on this list, and rightfully so. This release has such a tight, strong groove, with or without Ginger Baker, it’s everything I love about him, his band, and his music.

Man what a great sound Sure it gets quite repetitive over an album but when it is at its peak it’s fantastic Particularly enjoyed Let’s Start and Egbe Mi O

⭐︎3.8 ファンキーな楽曲多め。 フェラクティはアフロビートの創始者らしい。

Fun jazz album with a lot of personality, a bit too niche for me sometimes but overall enjoyable

Just great relaxed listening PLUS Ginger Baker's genius drumming.

I knew Ginger Baker had been involved in some afrobeat stuff but I couldn't have named this. It's great though Smooth and produced really well. Everything is clear but there's a great sense of atmosphere Unsurprisingly fond of the Hammond organ, my old prog sensibilities coming to the surface listening to this. Ginger Baker's drumming is obviously very cool too, his appreciation for African music was obvious in how he knew how to fit in with this style Black Man's Cry is pretty lowkey and builds tension for over ten minutes, and whilst the payoff at the end is only a minute or so, the saxophones and trumpets are worked in so well that its really satisfying Highlights: Ye Ye, Da Smell, Black Man's Cry

This is the album that exposed the great Fela Kuti to western audiences, with Ginger Baker doing playing the role Paul Simon later played with Ladysmith Black Mombazo, or Peter Gabriel with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Sure, there is something that could be said about the racial politics of all this, but only a westerner could have succeeded at this at the time. But how could anyone resist music this funky? Insane drumming here by both Baker and Tony Allen, and Kuti bring the utmost charisma with his talk-singing vocal style, like the best MC at a party we were all lucky to even get invited to. So, everybody say Thank You, Ginger! Key tracks: Ye Ye De Smell

First impression pre listen: I really enjoyed his son's album that I got generated for me a few weeks back. With that somewhat fresh in mind I'm excited to listen to this. Interesting to see Ginger Baker feature on this as well. Always happy to hear some afrobeat. Got decently high expectations for this. Individual track notes: Let's Start A great time. Amazing rhythm and energy. Lovely keyboard solo. When it comes to soul, spirit and energy this performance beats most. Good. 4/5 Black Man's Cry Love the horns here. Makes it feel big and layered. Infectious bassline, works well as a bakground piece while focusing your ears on the sax. Rhythmic and fun. Loving the animated and large vocals, despite not understanding a word of what he's saying. The screams are really gritty and raw. It's kinda carthartic when the horns come back in the end. Good. 4/5 Ye Ye De Smell The drums are great. Love the way he sings along to the keyboard. Great sax part. The structure of this song is really great, feels like a bunch of waves of coming in at different frequencies. Does kind of lose some steam near the end, even if the drumming is amazing. Good. 4/5 Egbe Mi O (Carry Me) Funny opening monologue. Great vocals. Dynamic and full of life. I like the rhythmic guitar, adds a lighter element to the sound of the track. Involving the audience was a great idea, genuinely sounds great and elevates the song. Great energy and spirit. Fantastic. 5/5 Final Review: This is a firestorm of rhythmic, groovy jams with infectious energy and tight performances. It lifted my mood and spirits and kept me locked in for the entire duration. The drumming on this thing is wild. Love the horns, love the keyboards, love the powerful vocals and love how everything is arranged so neatly together. If you're looking for a jazzy moodlifter with impeccable soul and power look no further than this. Will definitely return to this, if not just to further appreciate its details and intricacies. An absolute blast. 4.5/5 rounded down to a 4/5.

A really great document of Fela Kuti's live shows - capturing the raw energy and tight grooves that goes into his best songs.

I like the vibe of this album! Great energy

Great rhythms, mediocre lyrics. Fun energy.

Gostei muito. Podia ter 3h de música, eu ouviria sem parar!

Just lots of noise, but fun

African jazz, soul. Very listenable.

Not sure I've ever listened to this one before. Fela has SO MANY stellar albums it's hard to keep track. Anyway, good shit.

4 out of 5. Fantastic album here.

Enjoyed this!!

Fela Kuti just hits the right spot for me every time. His music is an absolute vibe that I absolutely dig.

Absolutely awesome sound, Ginger Baker is an animal as we all know, and Fela's influence/power cannot be highlighted enough. 4 not 5 because the drum solo is indulgent

Surely one of the best live albums of all time. The sound isn’t quite ideal, but there’s an immediacy….

1. Let's Start (Live) - 9 The sound right at the start is an amazing blast of that almost disco/70s-style guitar mixed drums a great bass line and other instruments that immediately grips your by the shirt at your chest and throws you into what you get the feeling for what might be a brilliant musical journey. There's an excellent sax that's just an awesome sound with the drums and bass only a minute to two into the song before eventually giving way for other instruments to have their moment in the sun. The original album is only 4 tracks as well, so you get the feel that these jam session vibes is what the entire album encompasses but unlike other bands, where jam sessions can sometimes be too long (i.e. Outlaws, Dave Matthews Band) you never like the music loses itself. Best track on the album. 2. Black Man's Cry (Live) - 8 Another great jam session, especially after about 3 & 1/2 - 4 minutes in. The baseline remains very consistent through out and is paired very well with each instrument. Much like the previous track, there are many solos sprinkled throughout including the vocals themselves about two minutes from the end that leads into a crescendo of sound. Overall, a solid jam along song. 3. Ye Ye De Smell (Live) - 7 Not as good a track as the previous two. The skills of Ginger Baker do absolutely shine on this track but there are times where it goes on for too long and actually becomes too repetitive. Song loses itself a little bit in the drum solo towards the end of the track. Outside of those last 3 minutes, the track itself sounds really good. You're ready to move onto the next track before the track itself is. 4. Egbe Mi O (Carry Me) - 8 Solid ending. Love the signing at the end of the track. Musically good and it trudges along enough to not feel too long until you get this wonderful build into the end. Overall a decent track. Average Rating: 8.0 Adjusted to a 5-Point Scale: 4.0

75/100

This is outside of my usual wheelhouse but I genuinely enjoyed it and am saving this to my 1001 Albums playlist. I'm very undereducated in afrobeat music so I feel like this was a good starting point.

Never knew just how many chops Ginger Baker had

Again?

Sympa percussion. dansant

A relentless polyrhythmic festival of pan-African identity anger and rebellion. Fela was the bandleader, and no fool himself, but Tony Allen is/was a genius, and I don't use the term loosely.

I wasn't sold at first by the whole "featuring Ginger Baker" thing, but the drumming on his tracks is straight fire.

Really enjoyed this, made me really happy to be doing this challenge and learning about new music. Saved a few other albums by fela Kuti to do a deep dive into his discography in the future

Great!

First time hearing. It was fun.

I came in totally blind and had no idea what I was getting into. But wow... as Fela counted to 3 on "Let's Start" and those first brassy Hammond organ notes roared to life, my spirit soared. This has the juice! Love the albums we got this week. A mix of comfort classics + introductions to musicians I had never heard of.

Never heard of them and now so glad I’m in the know. So good throughout

Great, but too much drum solo. Favorite song: ye ye de smell

It’s a pretty good album love how you can hear each instrument. Don’t like how long it is.

Solid record. Ginger Baker is the most interesting member in Cream, and he's a great drummer. Surprisingly enough, I can actually pick out his kit from Fela's huge rhythm machine of a band. This works with varying success. Midway through "Ye Ye De Smell", he's running away with the beat, Fela yells "ho!" and blasts him back in line with the blasting wails of his sax. This is a fun but odd entry in Fela's discography. Fela had Tony Allen in his band, why is Ginger here? Was this some A&R dude's idea to introduce Blind Faith fans to Afrobeat?

Loved this

HEY i loved this album what the heck!!! it was SO vivid and hectic and fun, i played it while driving and i didn’t want it to end. definitely would listen to it in another occasion. i’d say my favourite is Black Man’s Eye, though i enjoyed every single one of them. the only thing is i would have liked a bit more of lyrics but whatever. the rhythms were SO SO cool, i felt like i was in cuba dancing in a bar with a drink in my hand hahaha. kind of album you’d play when you’re in a good mood. plus, i liked the singers, they had this cool-funny vibe that i loved. yeah, one of the best albums as of late!

I enjoyed this album listen! This is not music I typically listen to but I like to broaden my music horizons when I can. I dug the African style music with heavy funk and jazz influence throughout. I would definitely listen to this again to break up my music habits and recommend this to others!

This album was a pleasant surprise. It slaps! As the kids say. 4/5 #83

Funky, the jazz mixed with African music is really interesting. The last song with all of the drumming I found a bit full on and long but the rest I enjoyed listening to.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Didn’t know I needed a 12 minute drum solo

How fun! Love this! This is the kind of live performance you would go to and still talk about years later! Fav songs: Ye Ye De Smell, the 16 minute drum solo

Wow, just wow. Fela Kudi is just fire! In the right mindset, this is an awesome listen!

Honestly pretty fire, good intro to this kinda music and I’m not mad about another instrumental heavy album. Lowk I listened to this while driving and it got me kinda stressed out bc of how upbeat it is but it’s cool

Funky, jazzy goodness. Great musicianship.

I can't fault the fun and chaos of a 16 min drum solo here!

An amazing performance by two iconic (and egomaniacal) geniuses. This is platinum-standard stuff for any jam band or funk performer. Slight downgrade because of the dialogue that’s a part of most live recordings— and the fact that you can hear the tension between the two marquee names in Fela’s comments (hushing the crowd after he intro’s Baker, giving a sing he “wrote for Ginger Baker” a derogatory title, … etc). A very solid 4.

This album is a masterpiece.

Funky and fun! I could have done without the extended drum track at the end, but I cant be shocked given that Ginger Baker gets name-billing here. Great musicianship throughout.

Always wondered what Ginger Baker did after Cream to justify that reputation and ego. Now I know. It's the world's greatest jam band and a blinding live record. Great banter from Fela between songs too. And that drum solo...

Very different and interesting

Very fun listen - this is the type of shit i hear in a hifu hipster bar with a vinyl DJ and I like it enough to shazam at the bar

I was coasting at a modest 3 until the drum solos came in. Ye Ye drum solo is incredible, the 13 minute one is a bit much. Still enough to push it up to a 4 for me, obviously Ginger Baker is amazing but it was proof of his ability to make drum parts that sing. Also the album cover pic of him is hard as fuck. Fela Kuti married 27 different women on the same day.

My second album by Fela Kuti! This one was a lot of fun to listen to- it had a lot of musical talent that shined through, and you could hear how much the crowd enjoyed the performance. Really nice background music for working, driving, vibing, etc. Overall- I enjoyed it

very interesting, great rhythms - would've been great to be there !

At first, I wasn't sure that it lived up to the raucousness of my fav Fela Kuti studio recordings but as it went on I felt more and more hypnotized and really enjoyed it a lot.

Really enjoyed it!

Very funky. Interesting to hear Ginger Baker in this context

Funky as FUCK, interesting to hear ginger baker drum in a less orthodox way, very fun would listen again

listened to first track it ok

What a pleasant and fun surprise. Great recording quality and huge sound. Awesome

It’s the polyrhythmic drums and Fela’s charisma that carries the day. The whole album just makes you wanna dance.

I thought this was pretty great. The last song, the drum solo, was a bit of a waste though (we were supposed to listen to the one with Ginger Baker, right?)

Fela is one of the greats. This was a lot of fun, although there are multiple Fela recordings that I prefer to this one. The drum solo just went on a bit too long for me (sorry Kyle). I love some drums, but I don’t think the live experience quite translates over wax. 7.5

Very cool

Fave track: egbi mi o

I’m really glad this album is included in the list, because we all know how underrepresented music from anywhere other than the US, UK, and Canada is. I grooved with the rhythms, but felt that the jazz horns and all that weren’t too interesting. Overall, though, great album. Favorite Track: Egbe Mi O (Carry Me)

Glad I listened. Tough for me to enjoy fully instrumental but I could tell this was good

Bit mental I think something that grows on you the more you listen something to go back too

Tasty jam sesh

Really cool! The last track with the really long drum solo reminds me of Whiplash. A little hard for me to discern the tracks, since they kind of flow into one big song for me, but I still enjoyed each of them equally, hah.

a good jazz album to me is when people are going crazy and buddy they're going crazy on this one

Great Africana beats, amazing drums - was a very enjoyable performance.

I enjoyed this a lot. High 3 low 4.

4 dig it

Fela Kuti never fails to impress. While this album doesn't hold the same significance as "Zombie", it feels like a very fun live performance. The most interesting thing about this album is the appearance on the second half of Cream drummer Ginger Baker. American blues first grew out of African styles that had come to US through the slave trade. Later it evolved into blues rock popularized by British acts like Cream. For Ginger Baker to be performing alongside Fela Kuti, well, it's not exactly that the music came full circle. But it probably says something about the history of colonialism. Why that history was certainly ugly, it's great to find these moments of joy and love of music that manage to shine through.

I have listened to and seen Kemi Kuti live before. Never thought to listen to his dad before! It's great, like big band/jazz/funk raised a baby in Africa. Even if that sounds like it's not your jam give a listen, it is well worth an hour. I can imagine the energy these folks had live, they must of put on a show!

Awesome drumming. Adding to my collection and will listen again

La la la la la la la la la la la la

marvelous

sickes jazz album aber gab krassere imo

This is the only genre of music that I will tolerate a live album for. Could have done without the 17min drum solo track though... haha. Great jams, really liked this one.

Great listening for work.

Funky drummers! I’ve not listened to Fêla Kurt before, though I’ve heard of him. Will investigate further.

A joyful, energising album. Will revisit!

First class rhythms from these percussion personalities

This is a great album. I'd never heard of Fela Kuti and have never been interested in Cream as I've always considered Clapton as an Eddie Van Halen for people who didn't know that they weren't cool. Be that as it may I was really impressed with this and love the horns and rhythm. I wish I knew what he is singing but it doesn't distract from enjoying the wonderful music. 4.25/5.

Nice. God hygge musik. Godt humør. Live oldskool blues

Needs more lyrics

I enjoyed it. Not sure how to review it though. I'd scythes is by far the best "world" album I've heard - the music is really cool and the vocals are great as well. probably a 3.5 but zI'm feeling generous so I'll bump to a 4.

What a great album, so energetic, so funky, and so good. I heard about Fela Kuti, but never listened to his music, boy am I glad I discovered him now. I also just learned that this mix of traditional African music and rhythms, with funk and jazz is it's own genre, called Afrobeat. Didn't consider this interesting combination before, but it works together like magic, these are made for each other. There is not a single boring moment on the album, it just goes full speed all the way. There are 5 long songs, more like jam sessions, on here. Each one tells it's own story and doesn't feel overwhelming because of it's length. It just flows naturally and manages to stay coherent. The melodies and lines are phenomenal, rhythm section is nice and lively, Ginger Baker brings a new dimension on the songs where he makes an appearance. The vocals feature both an English and African lines. The African lyrics and chants convey a kind of down to earth, primal and basic human emotions. Emotions of love, freedom and happiness. What more do we need. Easy 4 stars, funky, soulful and jazzy, African rhythms.

I was considering a 5 but I’ll go with a high 4 just because Egbe Mi O didn’t live up to the standard of the other songs, it wasn’t bad by any means though I just felt it lacked as much personality and enjoyment the other songs had. Other than that this was a really great live album which honestly made the songs feel a lot shorter than they actually were. Ginger Baker and Tony Allen do an awesome job throughout on drums but especially on the last few minutes of ye ye de smell which is my second favourite on here behind let’s start. I’m not including the drum solo in the rating as well just because it’s a bonus track of a later CD reissue plus it’s from a completely different concert 7 years later (It was good though). Overall this was just a really fun and enjoyable one to listen to (8/10).

Very good

This was fun. Good jazz/funk album

Drum solo was a bit too much for me but the other tracks were really great.

First track - great, sounds familiar Second track - good as well, liked the first one more Third Track - Ninja tuna sampled lol, good track Egbe Mi O chant at the end is great Drum solo goes on forever but is great Would be a good vinyl

A great listen

Fun and funky afro jams! Good live album 7.5/10

Always energizing to hear Fela’s music. Translates incredibly well to the live format

First song, didn't know what to expect and then suddenly! Stab trumpets!! Bass!! Funk!! This was so fun to listen to, not my usual cup of tea but i'm very glad it was recommended.

custom_rating: 7

Really enjoyed this one!

I am partial to Fela. Been listening to him for decades and actually won his entire music catalog in a contest w Giant Step Records, Lord, 24 yrs ago! And used to see his son Femi every time he came to NYC - AMAZING LIVE SHOWS! Fela the pioneer, here one of his 1st - and a jam sesh no less w Ginger Baker - sometimes it gets tedious, but it's like the Dead - who cares I love it anyway

I can imagine this was more than a little mind blowing to those who came because of Ginger Baker in 1971 - never having heard Fela/afrobeat, etc. As an intro it's amazing. But I don't know if it's the best representation of Fela. It's got crazy energy. Vibes for days. Cathartic moments when all the elements collide after long instrumental breakdowns. The live in studio recording makes you feel like you're there. There is a joy you feel form the musicians who are having a great time. But what was a great intro 50 years ago today is not necessarily the best representation of a revolutionary artist. But more than worth a listen and then some.

Lively, fun, and brightens rainy days with ease. Also a very nostalgic sound for me since my parents had several Afrobeat CDs including some by Femi Kuti (Fela Kuti’s son)

Skön jazz att ha i bakgrunden, avslutar med 16 min trumsolo, underbart 🥁

Fun grooves that won't stop

Great album until you get to the 15 minute drum solo. No one wants a 15 minute drum solo. The first four songs are fantastic though.

Impressive. May become 5 stars after a few more listens

Groove upon groove. Excellent musicians.

En tiennyt mitä odottaa mutta kävely kieltämättä soljui kovin svengaavasti tämän tahdissa. Tower of power -tyylistä funktorvitykitystä välillä piipahtaen eri soittimien jazzsooloihin yhdistettynä afrikkalaiseen rytmisektioon. Toimii! Tykkäsin siitä että rytmisektio on levyllä koko ajan hieman taustalla, jolloin se sekoittui musiikkiin paljon paremmin luoden kuitenkin koko hommalle selkärankaa.

Standouts: • Let's Start • Black Man's Cry • Egbe Mi O (Carry Me)

No Fela Kuti means no Afrobeat, and what a gift that was! Fela Kuti was maybe one of the best bandleaders of all time. A charismatic and outspoken (very) dude who made a life of speaking truth to power, while changing the face of music. This is not my favourite Fela album, with Expensive Shit forever holding that spot in my heart, but how cool is it to see Tony Allen and Ginger Baker doing their thing? A delightfully percussion heavy record, and not to be replicated again in this lifetime.

Tycker det inte är lika bra som senare. Men den sista låter gör på många sätt och vis att den här kan hållas up med dem

I loved it! Can't fully explain it. Don't need to.

Mjög góð grúv, mjög töff.

When I saw one of the tracks was a 16-minute drum solo, my heart sank. That did test my patience, but it turns out it's a bonus track and therefore, under my personal project rules, it doesn't have to taint the rest of this joyous, groove-filled album.

A voyage - into the unknown.

What an incredibly fun album, full of rhythms, solos, and vocalizations. This combination of jazz and world genres explores an inherently rich world of cultures. Just so much fun.

Great stuff

ginger went crazy

Great beats, must listen again

Nice Jazz Album

Groovy! This was something i was truly unfamiliar with so it was a nice treat to get a chance to listen. Very enjoyable and the energy is electric!

Overall, a lot of fun. Nicely funky. I admit that the bonus track duelling drum solo (duo) lost me a bit after a while - 16 mins is a long drum solo!

Listened: 24/02/2025 Album no: 27 % rating: 78% Fave Song: A Black Man’s Cry One tight as fuck live band holy crap.

Hypnotic, serves well as background music, Fela Kuti jamming with his band and augmented with Ginger Baker. Whats not to love about this? Maybe not if you want pop songs, but thats not what Kuti did. 9/10

what if they made the whole plane out of solos

Great for dinner time

3.5

8.35 ★★★★

4.5

It’s live. It’s a jive. Drums thrive and thrive again times eighty-five. Grooves are a big bounding restless beehive. Fela Kuti is the headlining feature along with Cream’s own cutey Ginge Baker but the latter is only on a couple of tracks so he kinda takes a skive. This Fela guy is great and definitely worthy of a deep dive. The whole album is a giant yes from me, Clive.

I really enjoyed this. A good mix of rock, african beat and some soul. would definitely try and remember the band and pick up an album if i came across it

Banger of an album, but the drum solo in Ye Ye De Smell did drag on a bit.

Fantastic

Surprisingly good for a live album. Never heard of it at all but the songs are long and complex and quite impressive. Favorite is Ye Ye De Smell

Wow. This is fabulous. I had heard of Fela Kuti, but never listened. Not sure if Ginger Baker is bringing much to the party.

fantastic album. the grooves do tend to overstay their welcome after a while though.

I actually really enjoyed this, and I can't even explain why. I think usually because it was a live album, and I tend to enjoy those more, especially when the artist tells some back story or engages the crowd.

Lots of good music here. Not always the fan of drum solos longer than normal songs, but I guess he's Ginger Baker and he gets to do that. (8 known/14 new)

Fantastic

das isch funky. fela kuti legende vom afrobeat. ha sin sohn mol gseh am paleo. nöd so geil. das isch am cooke doo. das macht gad no spass zum lose. lieb wie wiederholend de bass isch. und s keys solo drüber super. drums grooved au hert. was macht de ginger döt?? yeye de smell geeeeile titel. es isch sehr moderne jazz und ich lieb wies d soli lebe loht und d instrument chönd soliere. aber s isch scho repetitiv

okee han gad sehr gueti luune hahaha also ich han nöd nöd mega vill dezue z sege aber ich liebs bis jz d perkussion isch insane bin huere froh dass de ginger baker nöd smelled hahahah find d atmosphäre vom konzert megaa schön, jz wos zemme singed gits eim richtig es heimeligs gfühl. via!

4.3 This is the 2nd Fela album we've covered on the list. And by far he has been the one person/group that I have instilled in my music rotation. Beware of Mister Baker is a pretty good doc if you haven't watched it before, covers a bit into gingers journey into Fela, African Music and African Women

Pa dosta kul, znamo ih slušati nekad. Mogu se zamisliti da odljepljujem na tom liveu, ovako mi se možda malo od tog druma dogodi zasićenje, ali sve u svemu, apsolutno zasluženo mjesto tu i jedan od legendi tog doba. 4/5, 7.5/10

I really enjoyed this 7/10 - was different to what I usually go for, made me want to go and dance in a sweaty room.

rocks. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)

i mean. it’s obviously technically great. i can hear how good it is. and the third track is definitely my favourite. i’m just not a fan of 12+ songs and hour long albums: can’t you say what you need to in less time? but for mr fela i can let all that go and appreciate the importance of the album

This was very cool. Knew Ginger Baker from Cream, but was not expecting this album. Crazy percussion and energy. Actually let the algorithm run for a few hours in the garage to see what else it would play, I knew none of it but liked damn near all of it.

This was such a cool album. Fun to listen to. If I get back into running it will be part of a long run playlist

Groovie!

I love Fela so much...

Great live album. Great vocals.. I just don't think the 16 minute drum solo was needed though

Reading

sehr nice energy. Das drum solo war der hammer.

Ended up liking this a lot more than I expected. I’ve been getting into live jam music more lately and that’s exactly what this is. Five songs and just over an hour. It’s a lot of horns and bass and drums and keyboards in a funk direction but I can get down with it

Fela Kuti - Fela With Ginger Baker Live! Really fun album to listen! It's groovy, straight to the point music that makes you want to dance all day and night long. While it's not something I would listen to any day, I appreciate that albums like this exist for anybody to check in the future, and just reminisce how life felt different during those times, that being the 70's. Overall, this is REALLY great! 1.- Let's Start = 9/10 2.- Black Man's Cry = 8/10 3.- Ye Ye De Smell = 10/10 4.- Egbe Mi O (Carry Me) = 8/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.7/10

4/5

Good 70s jams music. Haven’t heard a drum solo in a while.

Its quality music, energizing, just not the genre im crazy about

It's good music, would be fun to see live. Will I listen to again: 15%

Really cool, fun, semi experimental live album.

This was my first time listening to this type of album, and I absolutely loved it.

I love Fela Kuti. I don't know this album as well as some of the others, so I was surprised this one is on the list (others to come I assume). I also love Ginger Baker's drums, so it was a treat to be reminded of this gem.

My second Fela Kuti album on this list. I didn't think this one was quite as strong as the first, although it's still great.

Zou ik zonder de 1001 challenge ooit naar dit album hebben geluisterd? Nee. Ben ik blij dat ik het ontdekt heb? JA! ik hou van al de instrumenten, de mensen op de achtergrond en de stem van Fela. Ik kan er mij surprisingly heel goed op concentreren. Het album is een vibe! Certified banger.

I've stopped writing reviews for live albums here, but something must be said about this particular album. For starters, Fela Kuti's music hits much harder in a live context for me - I enjoyed this even more than 'Zombie'. There's just so much energy on display - the percussion (in part done by Ginger Baker) and bass especially pop in the mix - and Fela Kuti himself sounds incredibly personable in this context. The Ginger Baker collaboration is important, with Western music meeting Western African music, but moreso as an idea I feel. But Baker's musical presence is still felt with his standard drum kit playing when he joins the stage on 'Ye Ye De Smell', adding an unconventional (in the Afrobeat world) punch to the song's rhythm section. But my favorite song was one where he wasn't even playing - that being 'Black Man's Cry'. Another great moment was that sing-along closing out 'Egbe-Mi O (Carry Me)' as the song builds to its final climax with the drums and horns - it's the definition of live energy! This was beyond enjoyable - it's what got me to understand Fela Kuti's generational talent.

Fela Kuti fue un músico visionario, y este álbum da buena cuenta de ello. Excelente jazz con influencia africana, me ha encantado. Uno de los mejores álbumes en vivo que he escuchado hasta ahora. Aunque ese dueto de percusión de 16 minutos de duración es un poco excesivo, me ha acabado doliendo la cabeza. 4.5 bajo.

4-awesome drum album

I enjoyed

kinda hurt my head but good music is still music

bom pra caralho pra ouvir jogando poquer

Damn, this is groovy. I don't know who is playing what, but this jams straight through. I'll need to educate myself on the lineup here, and I definitely need to listen to more of Fela. This is an easy 4.

This is it: the album that introduced me to Fela Kuti! I was visiting a friend who was excited about this recent purchase on vinyl; he put it on immediately, and the vibe was transformative. I haven't heard anything like it. I have since made a Fela Kuti station on Pandora and just let it roll. I don't know any one particular song or album (aside from this one) over another, but the groove and energy is consistent and exciting. Such great musicianship and showmanship. Great to re-visit this today.

Fantastic drum work

These are the albums Im doing this challenge for. Stuff Id never listen on my own. I love ginger baker one of my favorite drummers and I keep finding him on another level with world reknown artists not just english speaking and him exploring new music and experimenting and collaborating. Amazing musician that everyone must explore and know

Jävlar vad det svänger. Till och med trumsolot i slutet och jag är dokumenterat allergisk mot trumsolon.

This was actually a fun Afrobeat album that really pulls you in and keeps you hooked. It’s a great mix of Afrobeat, jazz fusion, and funk. What makes this album even more interesting is that it was recorded live with Ginger Baker. Ginger Baker was known as rock’s first superstar drummer and was one of the core members of Cream with Eric Clapton. Over the years, he worked with a lot of influential bands like Hawkwind, Atomic Rooster, Masters Of Reality, Public Image Ltd, and even Bill Laswell. He also had a strong interest in African music and spent a lot of time living and recording in Africa. Fela Kuti was one of his main collaborators, and their work together makes this album stand out even more.

im too sad to listen to this album

Gosto

Rating: 8/10 Another great album by Fela Kuti, the mix of jazz and African rhythms sounds so good.

very very rogue but love the rhythm shifts and strong drum beats throughout the songs. could imagine it in a house song ahah

I really enjoyed this. Some songs felt slightly long for me but otherwise it was a good time.

I liked it a lot. Instrumental is cool

Really good and enjoyable album

You can put this on whenever you need to feel like you’re in a cool exploitation movie.

Just great rhythm from start to finish

I missed the first Fela Kuti album so this was fun for me. Ginger Baker's drums sound huge. Ultimately these are pretty simple jams so the songwriting/overall album ceiling is lower...but for a live jam session pretty great. At first I was absolutely insulted that they put on a 16 minute drum solo (Alex drum corner: drum solos aren't cool...just do your fills in the song) but upon wiki research it's listed a "bonus track" so I didn't penalize them.

Really impressive and a fun listen. Great grooves, though perhaps a little tired by the end of them, like other Fela. Ginger is a fun addition - he played in Blind Faith with Winwood. I’d love to see a poll of drummers on whether they enjoy listening to drum solos - beyond a few bars of fill (would probably say the same about any single instrument solo). After a while it all kind of sounds like those guys who play drums on plastic buckets for wide eyed tourists.

I think I would enjoy this more if I were at the performance. Live music and watching them perform. But this just kind of bores me. As impressed as I am with how good they are, and the songs are pretty good. I am also happy that they have these live performances recorded so that if you couldn’t see them, these are here. I think they are important to the history of music.

Ginger Baker was quite something live. (So was Fela, but I’m lucky enough to know that first-hand)

8/10 przyjemny, dużo instrumentów, lekki jazzowy vibe, czuć że ta muzyka żyje i że ci ludzie żyją muzyką. Ale no mój mózg niezbyt się dogaduje z kawałkami > 5 min

чисто вайбинг, фанки джаззи, очень крутая насыщенная перкуссия, на барабанах пионер джаз фьюжна и ворлд мьюзик джинжер бейкер, первый звездный барабанщик фела кути — нигерийский мультиинструменталист, один из основателей афробита ваще жесть жизнь у этого чувака, в какой то момент он стал политическим активистом, вернулся в нигерию и основал СВОЮ РЕСПУБЛИКУ, это была небольшая коммуна со звукозаписывающей студией и после выпуска альбома зомби с сатирой на нигерийскую армию, после чего республику Калакута тысяча солдат, они разбили стекла и подожгли дома и студию, уничтожили записи и избили фела куту, а его маму старую выкинули из окна и она умерла :( а позже он женился на 27 женщинах, многие из которых были его танцовщицами, композиторками и певицами потом он создал свою партию и пытался стать президентом, потом на него завели политическое дело, он сидел в тюрьме 20 месяцев а потом вышел из тюрьмы и развелся со всеми своими женами … короче мужик записано на эби роад, может быть иногда затянуто, но это лайв, тут это можно я бы хотела эту пластинку себе, в нее тяжело вслушиваться постоянно, но это прямо КАЧЕСТВО, это музыка создающая окружение, может быть она в какой то момент кажется фоновой но это не делает ее хуже

Excellent Fela

Long tracks but fun

Amazing energy, what a performance

Once again, albums like this are the reason I started this journey. This was a fun listen. Lots of energy and a little funky. I'll have to dive into more Fela.

Raw and authentic. I appreciated a live recording and of course loved drums solos. Also this album helped me understand why exactly ‘The World is a Ghetto’ was a 3 - it was too ‘right’, too aligned and ironed. It is generally not bad but not for this style and genre where the feeling of musical freedom is greatly desired.

A nice jam

This was actually a fun Afrobeat album that really pulls you in and keeps you hooked. It’s a great mix of Afrobeat, jazz fusion, and funk. What makes this album even more interesting is that it was recorded live with Ginger Baker. Ginger Baker was known as rock’s first superstar drummer and was one of the core members of Cream with Eric Clapton. Over the years, he worked with a lot of influential bands like Hawkwind, Atomic Rooster, Masters Of Reality, Public Image Ltd, and even Bill Laswell. He also had a strong interest in African music and spent a lot of time living and recording in Africa. Fela Kuti was one of his main collaborators, and their work together makes this album stand out even more.

Enjoyed for the most part but the 16 min drum solo at the end dragged on a bit

Really interesting genre very enjoyable

Great vibes love this guy

I liked this one. Pretty good soul album with a slightly different feel.

I was looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the live aspect of this. Great energy and emotion being expressed. Listened on my proper stereo and it was well recorded with great sound.

I remember regretting giving zombie a 5 since it was early, so im gonna give this a 4 to kinda balance it out, but they are both great records and I'd come back to this. I think the long jams aren't usually what i'd listen to but when i'm in the mood for something like this ill be back

Really fantastic… to no one’s surprise. The rest of this list could be Fela Kuti and I’d be happy

Fantastic atmosphere and incredibly consistent tunes. Didn't know who Ginger Baker was until I read sameen's review.

I dont mind being brave and saying that Ginger Baker being on two of these tracks actually takes away from the tunes when Tony Allen, literally the greatest drummer in all of music is just chilling waiting for his turn... it is pretty remarkable tho that Baker did record these songs in Nigeria in 71, im sure it did much to bring Fela to a western audience ! The problem for me tho is that i also think Cream sucks

Really liked this! A little long towards the end but really enjoyed it in the whole, very uplifting!

Did not need that bonus track. And not enough of a drum nut to appreciate Ginger's contribution (especially that solo in track three). The wider instrumentation is great though (Love. Those. Horns). And those first two tracks are fantastic in particular.

Range rover delight

Great pace. A thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Divertido álbum, funky buenos ritmos. se nota que es un clásico, interesante escuchar generos nuevos de los que no sabia ni su existencia. 75/100

Solid afro-funk

This was fantastic. I found myself dancing in my seat to this. It made my day.

Had a great time with this today. Nice and upbeat. Very much enjoyed it.

trigger warning on how long each song is but they go by super fast. loved the vibe, the clear improv and spontaneity in each song. vocals were amazing and emotional, all while being jazzy. black mans cry was my fav- tho i do wish they were each maybe half the length they are, its hard to not get pissed off by it after 9 minutes

Very fun

Goede dingen! Echt een random pareltje. De man had 27 vrouwen, daarom vier sterren.

How is this a live album!!?? It's studio quality, zero errors! Insanity!!!

Punchy jazz

I do like Fela Kuti but I’d not heard this one before. Having listened to this a couple of times today, my verdict is absolute banger. Definitely well deserved place on the list.

Ginger Baker is one of the greatest drummers of all time. This record is sick, and I am so glad that it came to us. I love the fusion of Ginger Baker's frantic drummer and Fela Kuti's vocals. Definitely would listen again.

Most excellent. Afrobeat at its finest. Adding Ginger Baker on top is tremendous!

very cool

I think I'm in this 1001 thing so I can listen to albums from outside the 80s commercial radio catalogue. Really enjoying the afrobeat here 🧡

Super vibey. A great backdrop to whatever I’m doing. Except maybe driving. I like to sing in the car.

4/5. This is definitely a great live album but I have two gripes that does keep this from a 5. The first is that there was a weird tension between Ginger and Fela, it just kind of felt like he did not want Ginger there. He cut off the applause for him, made fun of him, and called him not a good friend. I may be reading too much into it and this is how they show friendship, idk. The real reason it's a 4 is because although I understand the vibe of afrobeat listening to previous Fela albums, it feels like this one drags on some of the songs a little too long. It has parts that slow down to a crawl which can be interesting but this time it didn't really work for me. I cannot deny the skill of all these musicians so it was not a bad listen, just would rather listen to another Fela album. Also Baker is wild on this, a necessity for any lover of drums. Best Song: Let's Start, Ginger Baker and Tony Allen Drum Solo, Ye Ye De Smell

What a pleasant surprise to discover an artist I had never heard produce such a great album. This one has the funk and then some.

Sometimes, all the time, I wish I had been born a 6ft 6 black dude in Brooklyn in 1951. Then I would have been right into this. Despite that not being the case, I’m still feeling it.

Great album, and a percussionist’s wet dream I imagine. Funnily enough, I already had this album in my downloads as this list sent me down an enjoyable Fela Kuti wormhole a while back. This is just as good as any of his other stuff from around this time I’ve heard, the groove and funk just gets you hooked. This one just has the added bonus of a nut bag of top drummer to boot (check out ‘Beware of Mr Baker’ on YouTube for a crazy rockumentary). Although not being that much of an expert I didn’t find it that easy, drum battle thing at the end aside, to determine Mr Baker’s overt influence on the music, it seemed more him fitting into Kuti’s style. I suspect Tony Allen may be an even better drummer responsible for the Afro-beat thing in the first place. Anyway, defo an album for future revisits….

Kuti can do no wrong but has anyone ever said, more drum solos please... hell no.

Always glad to hear some Fela Kuti. Very lively indeed. Very groovy, great for a drive. Quite an intriguing musical collaboration as well. Good stuff 👍

Please inject more Afro-beat directly into my veins.

Fun and upbeat. I have listened to Fela Kuti but wasn't familiar with this album

It's good to know Ginger takes his bath!

Felt. Ginger. Magic.

Nice

Very interesting

Very enjoyable!

The kinda music you stumble upon during sundown at a small UK festival before the night descends into chaos and debauchery. This is obviously just great. 7.5 / 10

really fun album

Really enjoyable stuff. A lot of the tunes could be a little more succinct but other than that no complaints

this slaps

This is an album I truly would have never discovered if it wasn't for this generator. I had so much fun dancing to the beats, yelling chants, and pretending to play the bongo drums. Favorite song: "Egbe Mi O (Carry Me I Want to Die)"

From the first few seconds of "Let's Start," I already have a stank face... I think that's a good sign.

good funky jams

Very entertaining

Really enjoyed this.

Thoughts before listening: African style rhythms meets rock n roll drumming I guess? This one should be interesting. Review: This is great. I have listened to some Fela Kuti before and I always find it to be an enjoyable experience. Fast paced, percussion heavy jams. From reading up on this album, it seems that Ginger Baker was working with Fela to learn Afrobeat drumming, so while his presence adds a certain cool factor to this album, he isn't necessarily changing the sound....at least not in the Afrobeat meets rock n roll way I was imagining. Fela rocks both with and without Ginger. This is the type of album I was hoping to discover by doing this project. 4-stars

The album creates an intimate experience encapsulated by Fela Kuti's high energy, the band's tight performance, and there is even a drum solo tribute. While jazz is a divisive genre for this reviewer, this type of big band, big brass jazz with a touch of African cadence is quite different. The unity, the singular experience that Fela Kuti and the band put together is equal parts professionalism and intentional fun. In the spirit of whether or not someone should listen to this before they die, the answer is not as divisive as American jazz is. Fela Kuti hits differently, and it hits all the right notes.

Adding Ginger Baker and Tony Allen to my list of drummers to idolize

Surprisingly jazzy and soulful. Could do without the drum solo

4.5. this style of funk never gets old