Search - Fela Kuti :: Shakara / London Scene

Fela at his Wickedest ! ! !

Eddie Landsberg | Tokyo, Japan | 05/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I once had a conversation with a Nigerian friend of mine. Having listened to Fela since my teens, *I* can understand some of his tunes -- whereas she said that even some Nigerians have no idea what he's talking about. It is unclear whether she meant this literally - - because I know she did feel a lot of his beliefs were nonsense... or the fact that Fela did have his own Fela-ese langauge - - Regardless, I am not sure whether understanding or not understanding Fela is a plus or minus when it comes to his music... Aside from the Nigerian government, I'm sure there were many Nigerian women overall who did not appreciate LADY and others... On the other hand, along with ZOMBIE ARRANGEMENT, its his most famous arrangement and the groove is so infectious you are totally pulled into his world whether or not you fully understand or agree with it (one of the great experiences of listening to Fela at work!)



The sessions on this album were recording circa 1971 and 1972. Egbe Mi O features a (non-credited) guest appearence by Ginger Baker on drums, who was Fela's "sponsor" in his trips to the U.K., arranging a lot of gigs for him and eventually doing an unbelievable recording with the group featuring two drummers, Tony Allen being the other.



All in all, the arrangements on this album are tight and funky... and just in the same era that JB was doing SEX MACHINE and SUPER BAD (and admitted to have been influenced by Fela). The mutual influence in apparent. The tunes are also amazing because of Fela's unique "layered" groove concept... similar to JB, but unbelievable in the way so many pieces of the puzzle just snap together and build as seemingly neverending layers are added to the developing groove. Each musician has his part and sticks with it PAINFULLY (Fela was famous for firing musicians on the spot who added stuff to his music), but as the next section or musician comes in, it takes on a totally different meaning, function and perspective. Soulfully overwhelming complexity through sheer simplicity - - the art of both Fela and JB.



As a closing note, its great to get my hands on this double feature - - because there was a time in the U.S. when his albums were ultra rare, only available as imports, and would be those issues whith just one or two tunes... This album in contrast is chock full of bass, rhythm, horns - - and Fela bestowing his unique vision of society and politics at the peak of his career. - - I'd say if you had to pick one FELA album, this may very well one to consider...!

"

For me it's all about one song...

Mark Foster | Portland, OR | 09/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"and that's 'Fight to Finish'. Every cut grooves on this set, but I really love this song, the big horns, the bass line, the sax and keyboard solos, and especially Fela's rousing calls to go forth and kick ass. The Shakara album cover is beautiful."

Better than JB?

N. Musick | Pittsburgh, PA United States | 10/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a huge fan of James Brown. After listening to something like The Payback, there is only one place to turn for solace. That's Fela Kuti and the Africa 70. The beats are big, the rhythms African, and the horns are like the light from a thousand suns. Shakara/London Scene is one of my favorite Fela Kuti albums. It will take you to funk Nirvana."