Search - Fela Kuti :: Box Set

Fela: truly Afrobeat's King

Michael Mut | Hialeah, FL | 09/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Born Fela Ransome Kuti on October 15, 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, he lived the life of a revered musician, political activist and dissenter. Fela was the bane of every Nigerian dictatorship and military regime that successively took power during his lifetime (His home was twice ransacked and once burnt down by military thugs, and Kuti spent 2 years in prison on fraudulent charges.). This antagonism provided much if not all of the material for Kuti's unique artistry.Kuti's brand of music, which he himself dubbed "Afrobeat", was a vehicle for his contempt for injustice: equal parts funk, jazz and socio-political commentary, yet deeply rooted in African traditionalism. It is determinedly circular, cyclical and repetitious and often conveys an ageless, tribal sense of urgency. In many cases Kuti's music strings the listener along into what is the typical experience of any common poor, oppressed African, as if by some form of sonic hypnosis ("Shuffering & Shmiling", Disc 2). "I.T.T.", "Authority Stealing" and "Beast of No Nation" are Fela staples included on King of Afrobeat.Fela's songs typically occupied whole sides of LP records. Not one on the King of Afrobeat is shorter than 6 minutes and 58 seconds ("My Lady Frustration"). The longest, "The Unknown Soldier (Part 2)" clocks in at 17 minutes, 20 seconds. But his songs were purposefully long, building up the musical tension with an undercurrent of chanting, call-and-response vocals and long instrumental passages over which members of Fela's brass and woodwind section could improvise. He eventually dropped the Ransome part of his name and adopted Anikulapo. So his full name, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, now literally meant 'He Who Emanates Greatness (Fela), Having Control Over Death (Anikulapo), Death Cannot Be Caused By Human Entity (Kuti). Ironically, this now aptly represents his music - and this retrospective illustrates how powerful it still sounds today.By the end of his life, Kuti had become a symbol of Nigeria's (and African) struggle against colonial oppression, rule and influence. His battle ended on August 2, 1997 when Fela Anikulapo Kuti succumbed to complications caused by the AIDS virus in Lagos, Nigeria. But the music lives on. This collection captures many of Fela Kuti's classic musical moments. Silenced by death, Fela's legacy, which spanned more than 35 years, eventually burgeoned into a sizeable, impressive catalog."

Really a Fela box set should have 10 or 12 CDs minimum

Ed Stokes | Philadelphia, PA, USA | 10/05/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"... and unless you really must consume music in box form, the 2CD "The Best Best [sic] of Fela Kuti" is a more pleasing (not to mention cost effective) compilation, denser with compelling music and less intent on documentary.



If you need more than 2 CDs, Fela has 40 or so original albums in print, 20 of which are quite good. "Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense" is a good one that doesn't overlap with "Best Best", giving you 3 great CDs for 1/2 the used price (1/4 the retail price) of this box (which by the way is titled "King of Afrobeat").



That said, the box set is pretty good too. It's just too expensive. If you have no Fela albums and find it for $30-35 somewhere, go ahead. Fela's one of the greats of the rock era, certainly tougher and more innovative than anyone in the "Afro Pop" field.



As with "Best Best", the box set has a few edited tracks -- it doesn't hurt, and if it's an overview you're seeking you probably want the hits to keep comin', whereas Fela favored 25 minute grooves. Neither set contains rare, live or (not counting edits) alternate versions.



If you've already blown it on this box set, "Confusion / Gentleman" is a good one that doesn't overlap the box."

The ABAMI EDA himself

Kola Banaskso | London, England | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"fela is the greatest musician in the world and there is no point adding a rating chart to his page because he will always be a five star musician. I live and eat Fela everyday of my life and I believe in everything he sings about. Even if I dont win the voucher I am just glad I got a chance to salute the Black President(ten times over)."