Fela Kuti - Coffin For Head of State

Coffin For Head of State (1981) Fela Kuti
From the LP Coffin For Head of State (CD release 1997)
fela.net/discography/
This video is part of a series of songs being posted on Fela's official KZbin channel ( / fela ) each featuring, alongside the music, an informative commentary by Afrobeat Historian, Chris May.
The entire catalogue, released on Kntting Factory Records, is available on the Fela website (fela.net/), along with documentaries and recorded concerts, CDs and vinyl, tee shirts, posters and many other items.

[@nonyagbo]

FELA is the Greatest - If you agree give a like to Fela's Memory - He deserves it.

[@eeerabbit5945]

Hell yeah re open this thread

[@siphorasana8454]

The Best of the Best

[@samuelendeley8322]

This man had big balls!! Insulting a man who just did you bad like that, anyone who disrespects your legacy is a FOOL!!

[@IFWE_.]

BIGVIB3R ALSO HAS BIG BALLS TOO, TRUST ME THEY'RE QUITE BIG kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJvZn4mIppdlbbc&ab_channel=Bigvib3r-Topic

[@bubmoley1194]

I use fela kuti music to get rid of seasonal depression. It's so sunny in my room after listening to his songs after winter snow storms, it works very well.

[@parisulki729]

Same! Though now some of the songs remind me of bad times, they still make feel better and relax

[@charlesficherwcoffeebreaks7521]

Shalom Greetings Grandrising! Better for me all year long B1 from 89030 Las Vegas

[@cameroncrawford9031]

Well" kuti like all the other black voices screams for a new salution to this institution of a mental state Of the colonial trouble maker That keeps it coming remind Of the ole' saying..shit rolls.. Down hill ..but kuti. Relieves u .u.s.a. I'am a black man ..warrior

[@tundeezekiel134]

There is something about his music, it cools the nerves, it makes me sleep

[@mosalinzela8728]

Its amazing given the subject of his music. I feel the same. There is so much energy, hope, vitality that comes through, even if it is sad. My greatest wish in the world is for humanity to wake up, so that Fela isn’t seen just as an anomaly but as common. Dancin to liberation.

[@byanymeansnecessary398]

Message to youtube, don't ever play an advert in the middle of a Fela Kuti experience. I say its an experience, its more than music. Although, Fela did say that musician is the king of all professions.

[@okparaemmanuel5890]

Pay for premium KZbin dont care about any experience they just want thier money

[@ajalatemitopeolufisayo]

A very conscious piece of music ! Still worth listening to in 2024

[@AdamCzarnowski]

This song holds a special place in the Fela discography. I bought the original in Stearns African Record Shop, then on Tottenham Court Road back in the 1980s. Blew me away. Still does.

[@mosalinzela8728]

African record shop. Sounds so cool

[@pablomogosi8712]

Thr horns, the arrangement was simply from God

[@fudgenuggets405]

@@pablomogosi8712 I was in a bar in Bangkok where they would let everyone pick a song on KZbin to play and that was that. It was an older crowd and they all had their fun. I put this on and for over 20 minutes, shit was cool in the world. No one said a word, just nodded their heads, drank their beers, smoked their smokes and had a great time. When the song finished those that had never heard it before were like "Woah, that was some deep shit man." No kidding.

[@MensahAcademics]

I remember that shop my dad use to get his tunes from there , come home and have them on repeat on his B&O system. I was about 5 then and these tunes are as timeless as they ever were. Thank u daddy for the greatest gift u could have ever given your first baby girl.

[@rickexcelarms]

"I waka waka, waka , I see MY PEOPLE, dem dey cry, cry. cry" This beautiful song & many others symbolises why Fela will forever be known as the PEOPLE'S CHAMPION. He was the voice of the voiceless and hope of the hopeless, the true definition of the people's champion.

[@gbolagadeolajide8595]

On my way to the Island, I see the same suffering everytime. People are living the life animals should be living. It's a terrible life most Lagosians live

[@anthonyowolabi]

Them no wan take am !

[@rickexcelarms]

@anthonyowolabi Dem must take am. Who go wan take coffin ? Dem must take am.

[@rickexcelarms]

@gbolagadeolajide8595 Animals shouldn't even live like that, let alone human beings.

[@osaobomhenefoghe8967]

@@rickexcelarms ...obasanjo tow am...yaradua grab am...

[@jimsebastiansharman]

The power of the people is greater than the people in power. I wish I had had the chance to see Fela in concert......

[@samsmacdaddy]

I was lucky to have seen him and his band in the late 80s at The Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. It was a three hour show and was wonderful. I'll never forget it.

[@tewosolanke6417]

Jim Sharman . His son Seun usually visits the US and has very similar stage show ( even though he is not FELA) and plays well...🦂

[@piefunk98]

@@tewosolanke6417 I saw Seun in Italy 2022, but didn't like it too much.

[@VincentAmanorBoadu]

I was privileged to see the Legend in two concerts - one at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan and the other at the Waterfront in Toronto, Canada. MASTER messenger. A great gift to humankind.

[@louisotieno4712]

This man was a Genius... solid Genius.... how he could weave Religion in relation to those 2 Vagabonds Fat Obasanjo and Ostrich Yaradua is absolutely epic

[@maryanderson4870]

I NEVER LOOKED AT FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE

[@louisotieno4712]

@@maryanderson4870 now you do... ✊🏽😁

[@Michael-bj2wd]

So many listeners praise the composition but people are not listening to the lyrics, to the story, it is airy, chilling ... We go Obalende We go Dodan barracks We reach them gate o We put the coffin down Obasanjo dey there With him big fat stomach Yar'Adua dey there With him neck like ostrich We put the coffin down But them take am! Them no want take am Them no want take am Who go want take coffin? Them must take am Na the bad bad bad things Wey they don do Them no want take am Obasanjo grab am Yar'Adua carry am Yes, them no want take am Obasanjo carry am Yar'Adua tow am Them no want take am Them no want take am E dey for them office E dey there now now now now now E dey there now now now now now E dey there now now now now now E dey there now now now now now...

[@IFWE_.]

BIGVIB3R'S LYRICS ALSO CASTIGASTES THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT

[@IFWE_.]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJvZn4mIppdlbbc&ab_channel=Bigvib3r-Topic

[@benjaminbaiden8411]

Fela was a mortal amongst us who became a legend and the king of Afrobeat and now he is our ancestor

[@ucakpan]

Facts!

[@justicetruth5456]

Fela was the embodiment of Shango/Heru!

[@chidiayoze7368]

Was crying when recording this line "dem kill my mama, I felt his emotion.

[@rahema1250]

This song is so deep. Fela is braver than many.

[@byanymeansnecessary398]

This tune is so tongue in cheek. It basically describes Fela's castigation of religion and Nigeria's political fraternity. Fela spoke the truth.

[@IFWE_.]

AND NOW BIGVIB3R SPEAKS THE TRUTH !! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJvZn4mIppdlbbc&ab_channel=Bigvib3r-Topic

[@djdoink]

This is a genius right here, the musical arrangement is amazing! At 10:14 or so the instrumental and guitar riff went up a semitone just to usher in Fela. Now that’s what happens when you fuse Funk, Highlife and Jazz. Shoutout to Fela

[@mwandishi4207]

Well spotted!

[@oluseyeajose-adeogun2642]

Thought I was the only one that noticed

[@djdoink]

@@mwandishi4207 amazing thing

[@djdoink]

@@oluseyeajose-adeogun2642 I noticed too

[@ruthdixon7807]

from the 70s until his death in 1997, fela melded elements of nigerian highlife and american funk into irresistibly jazzy dance music.

[@remiem-iw7uk]

Mama Kuti was clearly a beauty even in her old age. The atrocity done to this family is recorded in the heavens. The perpetrators souls shall not know peace nor rest no matter what success they seem to have on this physical plane. Their seed will suffer.

[@TheWavNG]

Who is still here in 2023? 😊 REST on great Visionary.

[@IFWE_.]

WERE STILL HERE OH BUT THERE'S SOMEONE WHOS COME TO CARRY ON HIS LEGACY kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJvZn4mIppdlbbc&ab_channel=Bigvib3r-Topic

[@fudgenuggets405]

I lived and worked in Nigeria for 6 years. Fela means something right here.

[@ingeposch8091]

he should have been allowed to become president!! it would have made Nigeria a far better country than it is today... he was a truely great man and is surely very missed, even by this ordinary Dutch grandmother.

[@TheWavNG]

@@ingeposch8091 would definitely have been an interesting time living under a president Fela😅

[@ingeposch8091]

@@TheWavNG it would have meant an honest president and a proper government doing right by the people of Nigeria...

[@justreason5868]

Coffin for Head of State epitomises deep knowledge of Nigerian problems but somehow puts me in a frenzied Smile of Sorrow. It is the deepest sorrowful and pitiful hopelessness of my country and its people. I can't just be angry when listening to this piece as it always numbs my deepest feel of sorrow so I just wear a "stoned-like" smile or grin. Baba 70, Eleeniyan, Chief Priest....May your soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

[@rossfield8819]

We need people like Fela now more than ever in our world speaking truth to power and willing to suffer the consequences.

[@user-qs6lx5vk9h]

If he was still alive I would attend all his live concerts just to lestin to his good music 🎶 in a

[@MensahAcademics]

I saw him in the UK twice. The greatest performance I have ever seen in my entire life. Electrified .

[@tricha123ful1]

This's a mourning song, you can feel the pain Fela has after the destruction of his compound.

[@Swaglord101]

Humanity will only have Fela's type one in a lifetime, he's a blessing to many generations to come. He was prophetic with his songs and lyrics like he already saw what was coming to happen. Rest on Abami Eda

[@Chidiuche]

This is one crime that President Obasanjo's administration in the 70's committed against Fela's family that will be difficult to erase. So, no matter how legendary Obasanjo portray's himself to be, he should go and appease that family for this heinous crime. Otherwise, he will still answer to God for it when the time comes. The death of Fela's aged mother in the hands of those soldiers was the most painful part of the incident.

[@benlieb7269]

I been jammin to Fela over 20 years now. Never heard of this Obasan cunt.

[@james56660]

It is crystal clear to me now about what he was all about.......The scales have fallen from my eyes. Boy, was I deaf and blind back when I was introduced to his ( TO HELL WITH THEM.....NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT°) songs.

[@charlescanzater]

He has made me laugh and cry at the same show ! His love and honor for his people will forever give them strength. The people of the world will never forget him ! He is now honored by his ancestors ❗️

[@nanaahendua7036]

Zonb

[@kehindefawe2803]

FELA: The greatest man (musician) of the moment.

[@gaobakwebakang2942]

He will remain in our hearts forever & ever. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Son of our soil!

[@amashherbal6666]

The great legend left with his honor may he rest in peace

[@taofiki9245]

"These money making organizations put we Africans into total confusion". Baba is absolutely right, see where we are now, stagnant, cant go forward or even backwards. We need to open our eyes, remove the blinders and get to work of rebuilding our own continent and countries instead building somebody else's

[@marleyite]

And the various religion factions there have hindered the nation tremendously in my humble opinion.

[@comeonyouyellows]

My favourite Fela tune by a mile.

[@louisotieno4712]

Great Piece

[@alosinom67]

This is my 4 year old godsons favourite Fela album

[@obi387]

Your 4yr old godson is a genius to be able to pick a favourite from Fela De Great let alone only being 4yrs old. He's been schooled in the right direction to REAL AUTHENTIC music!

[@louisotieno4712]

He IS a bright Grandson

[@mosalinzela8728]

Thats cool!

[@killmewithsmiles]

Anyone remember a time in the 90s when a certain radio station plays Felas song on Sunday afternoons, I always rush home from church just to go listen to the rhythm that soothes my soul.

[@danielpires9520]

What a great man! A legend. An inspiration.

[@denysnuttall1706]

I went to sixth form college in market harborough,in about 82 with the daughters of seraki ,Obasanjo abiola and Ransome kuti, etc they would play felas itt,and coffin for head of state ,they were surprised that i loved it,and love it I did

[@ColtraneTaylor]

The music doesn't sound angry, to my ears anyway.

[@obi387]

It sounds like Fela is disapointed and disgusted with the Nigerian government...Just like I am. They're the ones who killed him off for exposing their unjust, corrupt, evil regime

[@oussamaokbi]

Music doesn't convey anger so much as it conveys the state of mind of whoever is making it. You need to be at peace with everything to live tall and free. There's a depth of other emotions at play that are more relevant to his story than just anger. I think people pick up a "good fight" and sink their all into it, sacrificing what little freedom they have to a cause that should have been about living better in the first place. I say live it all, the good the bad and the unexpected and you won't really feel anger anymore.

[@faruqabdul-rahman347]

PURE AFRICAN MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joybabyfresh6469]

fela kuti 2020 I can not forget you

[@cjduru5715]

Listening in 2019, gather here if you know the same old rulers are still forking nigeria up

[@chrisperez9300]

Rest on Baba 70 may the good lord forgive your sins and grant you eternity in heaven

[@YNW_QI]

Fela is the first Nigerian international artist. Rest in power king of Afro beat

[@kolawolebabatunde8712]

When I die I must look for fela everywhere heavy

[@carloskonejovass1524]

Saludos desde Chile grande Fela por siempre ...Gordito y sus Combos( youtube)...

[@mosalinzela8728]

I’ll be looking for Kalakuta in heaven too

[@adewalehassan2110]

I am so glad that I got tó experience a Babas show. It helps me to further understand and enjoy the tunes even more. "I salute you ABAMI EDA".

[@yusufadebayo6503]

Fela lives on. 21 years of death anniversary today.Baba 70!

[@henryhill92]

Its bizarre to me that the official online copies of this song all have horrible digital artifacts in them... both this video, and the copy I bought off Bandcamp (much to my disappointment). This song deserves better.

[@zachmasterzach]

Is there another version out there that doesn't? I've never heard one

[@henryhill92]

I mean, of course there are. The vinyl obviously, but also presumably the CD. Also I just checked, and as far as I can tell (didn't listen to the whole 22 minutes haha) the version on Spotify is fine.

[@mosalinzela8728]

That is just how this song was recorded. Be grateful. It sounds perfect

[@henryhill92]

@@mosalinzela8728 No it isn't dude, those are errors in the conversion of the files. The original recordings don't have digital clicks in them

[@Emzdrav]

Power to the people!!!

[@jewslikefunk]

Happy Birthday Fela!

[@johnmoses8603]

Rip baba fela

[@biodunayinde9711]

2024. Fela lives on

[@twvids7097]

I love the key change at 10:10, and how the groove sort of eases into it.

[@mohamed69khalifa73]

😭😭 dis one too touching

[@louisotieno4712]

Indeed.... Even his own son Femi attests to this as a very sorrowful song he sang...😖😖😣😣

[@delankeli8542]

anywhere in africa corruption reigns especicially in kenya and I must do something about it wish me luck

[@sojiadamo5212]

Wow bro, it is not luck you need. You are blessed by the most high as you are a peace maker.... for they will be called the child of God. 🙏🏾 Blessings bro.

[@delankeli8542]

@@sojiadamo5212 Thanks brothet

[@normanfabiodepaolicampos2876]

Escuchen esta música.......viene desde el origen y se proyecta hacia el infinito.......

[@javiergilvidal1558]

No. Es buena música negra, nada menos y nada más. Nuestra música blanca es más compleja, más rica y mejor. Parsifal "se proyecta hacia el infinito" bastante más que esto.

[@javiergilvidal1558]

@fernando romero¡Sólo esperaba su orden para hacerlo, Romero! Pero, antes de callarme, aguardaré tranquilamente a que se vaya usted a cagar, Romero......

[@javiergilvidal1558]

@fernando romero Brillante. Váyase por la cloaca junto con la mierda.

[@fudgenuggets405]

My man Fela and George Clinton are the only two dudes that can compete with Bob Marley for "Coolest Dude" in the history of the world.

[@suleimanbabatundeshittu4141]

gather here if you're watching in 2023

[@eruteya4763]

This is sooooooo goooooood

[@timoleo704]

I LOVE THIS SONG......LONG LIVE FELA

[@tiegokhoza6448]

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! FELA KUTI. ARMY IS NO GOODOOOO AMEN! AMEN!

[@dustinmarksthe1]

Fela legend ❤️

[@twvids7097]

The key change before Fela starts his vocals…so great

[@kafilarosa]

Happy 2018

[@segunolusola9605]

Excellent live on Fela so great

[@ayokidzzy6326]

God of afrobeats...❤️💪🏾💪🏾

[@stanleydixon2002]

I000 likes for Fela gather here

[@animalia9.]

😪 this song touches the heart

[@jeanfoka4459]

L'artiste qui nous bercé dans notre enfance

[@dr.m-beenzunamwiinganakazw9106]

Baba Fela lives....Kudos

[@FabianGia]

This is the business. Deepness!

[@IlemonaJamesAtuluku]

Men this business people sha

[@IlemonaJamesAtuluku]

Them the do bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad things

[@getrotal67]

thank you Fela

[@sntxinternational6975]

Father Kuti. Don't worry, the fight for enforceable human rights is in our hands now. Rest. Love

[@jessekuba3987]

And them they do bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad things!

[@mosalinzela8728]

And so righteous, saved, blessed and favored

[@femifalase5576]

Music, Politics and History.....Wow

[@vimbainasheeileenpencil]

An African Hero and an inspiration to us all✊

[@timuxmess]

2024. Wow!! First time i listen this masterpiece.

[@pablomogosi8712]

Love this so much

[@foreverthere4597]

greatest african to ever live 🤗

[@dicksonamadasun3221]

Baba,i hail you!!!

[@olivenwosu]

Listening in 2021 🔥

[@femifalase5576]

Watch out for that subtle key change from 10:10

[@davidkariu2330]

Happens again at the end!

[@user-qs6lx5vk9h]

The best artist

[@brad5769]

love it

[@IkesLionsDen]

❤️

[@pierrebaque243]

right on

[@macmcmac4388]

Amen, Amen, Amen... Amen, Amen, Amen! Through Jesus Christ our Lord By the grace of Almighty Lord Through Jesus Christ our Lord By the grace of Almighty Lord "In Spiritus Christus..." "Allah Wakubar Mohammed Salamalekum..." Waka, waka, waka! So I waka waka waka I go many places I see my people Them dey cry cry cry Amen, Amen, Amen Amen, Amen, Amen Amen, Amen, Amen Amen, Amen, Amen I say I waka waka waka... I waka many village anywhere in Africa I waka many village anywhere in Africa Pastor's house na him dey fine pass My people them dey stay for poor surroundings Pastor's dress na him dey clean pass E hard for my people for them to buy soap Pastor na him them give respect pass And them do bad bad bad bad bad bad things Through Jesus Christ our Lord (Amen, Amen, Amen!)... Waka, waka, waka! So I waka waka waka I go many places I go business places I see see see All the bad bad bad things Them dey do do do Call corruption Them dey call nepotism Inside the promotions And inside all business I say I waka waka waka I see see see So I waka waka waka... I waka many business anywhere in Africa I waka many business anywhere in Africa North and South them get them policies One Christian and the other one Muslim Anywhere the Muslims them they reign Na Senior Alhaji na him be Director Anywhere the Christians them they reign Na the best friend to Bishop na him be Director It is a known fact that for many thousand years We Africans we had our own traditions These moneymaking organizations Them come put we Africans in total confusion Through Jesus Christ our Lord (Amen, Amen, Amen!)... Waka, waka, waka! So I waka waka waka I go many places I go government places I see see see All the bad bad bad things Them dey do do do Look Obasanjo! Before anything at all, him go dey shout: "Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord, Almighty Lord!" "Oh Lord, oh God!" And them do bad bad bad bad bad bad things Through Jesus Christ our Lord (Amen, Amen, Amen!) By the grace of Almighty Lord (Amen, Amen, Amen!) I say, look Yar'Adua! I say, look Yar'Adua! Before anything at all, him go dey shout: "Habba Allah, habba Allah, habba Allah!" "Habba Allah, habba Allah!" And them do, yes yes And them do bad bad bad bad bad bad things Through Mohammed our Lord (Amen, Amen, Amen!) By the grace of Almighty Allah (Amen, Amen, Amen!) Waka, waka, waka! So I waka waka waka I go many places I go government places I see see see All the bad bad bad things Them they do do do Them steal all the money Them kill many students Them burn many houses Them burn my house too Them kill my mama So I carry the coffin I waka waka waka Movement of the People Them waka waka waka Young African Pioneers Them waka waka waka We go Obalende We go Dodan barracks We reach them gate o We put the coffin down Obasanjo dey there With him big fat stomach Yar'Adua dey there With him neck like ostrich We put the coffin down But them take am! Them no want take am Them no want take am Who go want take coffin? Them must take am Na the bad bad bad things Wey they don do Them no want take am Obasanjo grab am Yar'Adua carry am Yes, them no want take am Obasanjo carry am Yar'Adua tow am Them no want take am Them no want take am E dey for them office E dey there now now now now now E dey there now now now now now E dey there now now now now now E dey there now now now now now... But them take am!

[@Alejandro-wv9bh]

L

[@ofthejunglegeorge]

Thank you

[@folusaalingo5642]

'FELA: The World Greatest Musician' by Foluso Ayegbusi-Fajuyitan (1983). Please reply/confirm if you can remember that poster that I wrote and published by 'Lingo L'entrepreneur &Sons, Ileesa, Nigeria in 1983. Can you comment on the length of my foresight nearly 40 years ago to have identified Fela's status in the world of music at a time when the western world was idolizing Michael Jackson, James Brown, Bob Marley and so on. Any how, when I went to live again in London, I felt elated with the recognition given me by Queen Alake Anikulapo-Kuti and later by JK Brimo when the latter introduced me to Paul Simon, whom Tony Allen drummed for after leaving Africa 70, as the man who placed Fela in his right place in the world of music, then and now. Is there any Musician yet to take over this mantle? I expect confirmation, pls. Yours, Foluso Ayegbusi-Fajuyitan, Ileesa Nigeria.

[@pseudofox]

Incredible! :-D

[@Memry-Man]

This is our world

[@ayodejiadekunle6340]

olufela 😭😭👍👍

[@louisotieno4712]

...Anikulapo Kuti

[@fernandochiarelli]

In Nigeria, his mother, killed by the government - thrown from the 2nd floor. His name is Liberty.

[@PhetlaErnest]

21:04 It's a pity people like the Great FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI do not always get any support in their countries and abroad, because they (devils in power, our fellow Africans) are kept in power by Europeans. But Fela's spirit lives on through his music

[@tshimangadzorabumbulu2500]

still good music even in 2018..

[@mosalinzela8728]

Will always be. Greatness is timeless

[@reubenramokgopa8523]

May your spirit live on Son of Aftika.

[@IFWE_.]

HE LIVES ON IN BIGVIB3R kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJvZn4mIppdlbbc&ab_channel=Bigvib3r-Topic

[@hatshepsutmaatre8510]

Waka Waka Waka

[@ativiejonathan3705]

The corruption has gone bigger these time.

[@Omoosehparo]

Who’s here for motivation because of #Endsars

[@joeabun4259]

They don't make music like this

[@jeremyjenkins3862]

15:30 Fela Mickey!

[@georginahamilton8939]

You fucked with the wrong 1 PATAPOKIII GBAM

[@amaradjili4555]

❤❤❤❤

[@georginahamilton8939]

Fucking after shocks !!! You're a high I can't come down from You ha ha ha 😂😂 Propah Headless Dummy Patapata captive of the spirit of Truth Squadron formation leadership team PATAPATA GBASS AFRICAN AMERICAN Rythmic expression of exclamation point 👉☝️💜🍦😎☮️🌎💗 GBAM xXXXx Razzmatazz always GBAM xXXXx

[@tanashabethel4708]

haba allah habba allah

[@joeyganjaseeds4373]

Waka waka waka