Fela Kuti

[Tom 1960]

I've been listening to a few of his albums the past couple days and all I can say is wow! So I'm curious what are your thoughts and impressions? Favorite releases. I realize a lot of his catalogue is OOP, but then there is his mega complete recordings set. I'm not sure if I'm ready to spring for the set, but it is reasonably priced on Amazon.  Right now I'm listening to his releases either off of Spotify or You Tube. If any of you guys are looking to sell the individual releases, I certainly would entertain any offers.  PM me.

[Rooster_Ties]

I have this lengthy 2cd set compilation (each disc is ~79 minutes) — and it’s wonderful…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Best_Best_of_Fela_Kuti

It’s been out a number of times, some under different titles too…

https://www.discogs.com/master/114003-Fela-Kuti-The-Best-Best-Of-Fela-Kuti-The-Black-President

I’ve nearly bought the mega set a couple times, but it’s SO long, I just couldn’t justify it, knowing I’d barely get thru the whole thing more than a time or two (maybe once a decade, if I was lucky).

I think(?) I vaguely remember there’s another (2nd, different) 2cd comp (maybe by the same people who did the one I liked to above?) — and I’ve thought about picking it up a time or two (which if I ever find one used, I probably will).

Edited August 21, 2023 by Rooster_Ties

[JSngry]

[T.D.]

Scott (Michael) offered on this forum (iirc it sold?) a big "Complete Works" box, but I didn't have the guts to buy it.

I considered purchasing all of his recordings on which Lester Bowie appeared, which isn't very many, but that's one more thing I haven't gotten around to. 😢

Edited August 22, 2023 by T.D.

[John L]

2 hours ago, JSngry said:

2 hours ago, Rooster_Ties said:

I have this lengthy 2cd set compilation (each disc is ~79 minutes) — and it’s wonderful…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Best_Best_of_Fela_Kuti

It’s been out a number of times, some under different titles too…

https://www.discogs.com/master/114003-Fela-Kuti-The-Best-Best-Of-Fela-Kuti-The-Black-President

I’ve nearly bought the mega set a couple times, but it’s SO long, I just couldn’t justify it, knowing I’d barely get thru the whole thing more than a time or two (maybe once a decade, if I was lucky).

I think(?) I vaguely remember there’s another (2nd, different) 2cd comp (maybe by the same people who did the one I liked to above?) — and I’ve thought about picking it up a time or two (which if I ever find one used, I probably will).

That "Best Of" is an excellent compilation put together by his son, Femi.   But it still omits some of his greatest material, including what may still be his most popular single track in Nigeria: Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am.   All of the albums from the 70s are full of great music.  The 80s albums may be a little more inconsistent, but they also contain masterpieces. 

 

Edited August 22, 2023 by John L

[kh1958]

This anthology is interesting: Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti. To be clear, this is an anthology of music that influenced Fela.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Mans-Inspiration-Fela-Kuti/dp/B003P6C28Y/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3N4LMB24VUEM9&keywords=black+man's+cry&qid=1692715937&s=music&sprefix=black+man's+cry%2Cpopular%2C97&sr=1-2

 

Edited August 22, 2023 by kh1958

[mikeweil]

This compilation was given to me by a friend many years ago, and it's totally satisfying for me:

[soulpope]

 

Fela Kuti Africa 70 "Live" @ Berliner Jazztage 1978 .... enjoy ....

[hopkins]

I've had this LP since I was 18 and still enjoy it:

 

https://www.discogs.com/master/1180031-Fḛlá-Anikulapo-Kuti-Sorrow-Tears-Blood

 

The title track is my favorite of his and is available in the compilation mentioned above.

https://youtu.be/tj1wpNuQRaM?si=BZKoyFt8RIJPUbcX

 

 

 

The second track "Colonial Mentality" is excellent as well.

Edited September 19, 2023 by hopkins