In 1990, I moved to New York City and saw Fela perform at the Apollo Theater.Every time I see politicians and statesmen honouring Fela Kuti, I chuckle to myself and wish I could be there to ask with the utmost seriousness: “Are you, sir, recommending Fela to younger generations as a role model?” I loved being just one rhythmic instrument in a big syncopated arrangement.Įach of us a tiny but crucial part of the groove. He came to perform in Boston, but I couldn’t get anyone else to come with me, so I went by myself to a little club, and pushed my way to the front, elbows on the stage, looking straight up at Fela and his 20-piece band for two hours.īerklee had an Afrobeat ensemble, so I joined as a guitarist for two semesters. I went to Berklee College of Music that year, and told everyone about Fela Kuti. I love that I could now hear the influence. Then it breaks down to keyboards and a sax solo.įela influenced James Brown and James Brown influenced Fela.īrian Eno and Talking Heads wore their Fela influence proudly on the amazing “ Remain in Light” album. His talking-singing vocals come in, then the piercing female background vocals answer him in chant. Little interlocking ingredients, each featured enough for you to understand and appreciate their syncopation against the others. Just different aspects of the arrangement coming in and out. Then it stops and drops down to two interlocking guitars. Then a delicate drum kit joined in, tying it together. Then a deeper muted conga syncopating against it around the 2 and 4. It started with just a repeating woodblock on the 1st and 2nd 16th note of each beat. I got “ O.D.O.O.”, “ Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense”, and “ No Agreement” on cassette. Guitar on my shoulder, I took a taxi to the airport, and the driver said, “A musician! What kind of music do you play?”Īfter telling him, and asking where he’s from, he said, “I’m from Nigeria! You must hear the best Nigerian musician, Fela Ransome Kuti.”īack in suburban Chicago, I had to drive 20 miles to a good record store, to ask them if they had anything by Fela Kuti. When I was 17, in 1987, I went to New Orleans by myself for a few days.

Fela kuti live