Fela Kuti - Zombie (1978)

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The centerpiece of "Zombie" is the contemptuous title track, perhaps Fela's most infamous recording. Taunting mindless authoritarianism ("Zombie no kill unless you tell him to kill"), it earned Fela a beating at the hands of Nigerian soldiers soon after its 1976 release (they burned his house down the next year). The frantic horn arrangement demonstrates how Afro-Beat incorporates soul, swing and free jazz, and Fela plays the organ like Booker T. trying to knock down the walls of Jericho.

"Zombie" is without a doubt Fela's most important political song, and probably the best synthesis of his composing strengths -- pulsating march-like grooves, funky backbeat rhythms, and great, catchy horn riffs. "Mr.Follow Follow" is not far behind, though it has more of a P-Funk vibe.

Unlike the other Fela reissue discs, "Zombie" does not couple two original LPs on one CD (what other Fela album could possibly stand up to this!), and instead offers two previously unreleased performances. This is essential music...

Fela Kuti - Zombie (1978) (192 kbps)