Fela Kuti - Beasts of No Nation

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fela_Kuti
www.fela.net/

[@adegbenro1]

This song reminds me of my time with Egypt 80 from 1985 to 1989. I was there when this composition rehearsal started. It sounded like a jigsaw puzzle as each instrumentalist learn their parts. No lyrics nor chorus yet, just the guitars and drums and Fela occasionally on piano feeling the music out or giving parts. By the second or third week, the music started to shape up as more instruments came in. The bass especially tied the whole structure together as both the clave and shekere maintained the tempo. In a few weeks, the music became robust, not knowing how the lyrics will be laid down by Fela. But when he started singing the shrine was already filled up with the crowd even spilling out to the Pepple street. At this time, just after he was released from prison, he introduced a large drum to the arsenal of drums. I enjoyed playing alto sax on stage on this number "Beast of No Nation", a great and memorable experience for me playing with the great Egypt 80 band. Long live Fela, long live Afro-Beat.

[@nkechidouglas5541]

Wow...invaluable contribution! You are part of history!

[@oluggbal3005]

Baba Boye Adegbenro....i cant place the name, but im sure i will DEFINITELY KNOW THE FACE.....i was at most of tbe rehearsals of this tune...while in the uni back then....i cant remember missing "choir practice" ( as we call it then) every Wednesday and Thursday...and oh what a pleasure it is going to campus or being on Campus singing a song you know a lot of people have not heard...what a joy it was then....didnt know i was witnessing a great man, a legend at work work then.....Alabi yellow baba...sun re onile!!

[@babalolaolusegun3598]

Waoh you are also a legend sir

[@abobs3044]

Respect!

[@akinawojobi2789]

You are a part of history, consider writing a book about your experience with the late great abami eda

[@siqklinx2021]

Beast of No Nation is the first song Fela wrote in 1986, after he was liberated from prison-serving two years from a five year prison sentence for trumped-up foreign currency violation charges. Everywhere he went after his release, people were asking him what he was going to sing about: ‘Fela wetin you go sing about? Them go worry me!”. People wanted to hear him sing about his prison experience, like he had done with the songs like: Alagbon Close, Kalakuta Show, and Expensive Shit. Finally, he decided to sing about the world we live in-with particular reference to Nigeria. He said when he was in prison he called it ‘Inside World’, out of prison he called it ‘Outside World’. But for him it is actually ‘Craze World’. Otherwise, what name can one give a world with: police brutality, army oppression, courts without justice, magistrates who are supposed to uphold the law, obviously seen bending the law to please some special interest. As further proof of the craze world, he sings about the judge who sent him to jail for five years on a trumped up charge, only for the same judge to visit Fela in a prison hospital two years after. The judge apologized, claiming he was under pressure from the government to convict. This could only happen in a Craze World, Fela reasons. It can only be in a craze world that people sit and watch governments shoot down protesting students with impunity, like in Soweto(South Africa), Zaria and Ife(Nigeria). Bearing in mind that Nigeria like all craze world countries, condemn the apartheid regime in South Africa, yet committing crimes against humanity in their respective countries. Turning to another aspect of craze world policy of the Nigerian government. In 1983, the Buhari/Idigabon military regime launched a public campaign dubbed ‘War Against Indiscipline’. This was the regime’s solution to corruption inherent in the Nigerian society. To justify this campaign, the Nigerian head of state, General Buhari and his deputy General Idiagbon publicly used words like: ‘…my people are useless! My people are senseless! My people are indisciplined!’ to describe Nigerian People.For Fela, only in a craze world can such remarks be made. Moreover, such statements could only have come from an ‘animal in human skin’. How could these two animals use such words to qualify a people who feed them? This being so, other leaders from other countries must either be animals themselves to associate with, or accept to co-habit under such an umbrella as the United Nations with a head of state that considers his people useless. Turning to the United Nations, Fela saw it as a majorly unhealthy organization that suffers major inadequacy in its organizational principles. It is absurd to organize the UN principle bodies; the Security Council and the General Assembly, in such an undemocratic manner as one member’s cote can veto the decision of the majority. Is this Democracy? “What is United about the UN?” Fela asked. Thatcher went to war with Argentina over Falkland-yet both counties are members of the world body. Reagan and Libya were at war. Israel versus Lebanon. Iran versus Iraq. East-West cold war. It looks more like a group of disunited nations, so how can such a body work to promote and encourage respect for human rights? For Fela, that is another kind of animal talk. How can people talk about ‘individual’ rights? No one has the right to deprive someone else of what belongs to the individual-only an animal would try to take away another person’s legitimate rights. People who hear Fela say things like this reminded him that he was sent to prison for having such opinions of government. He, in his defense, said it was not him who called members of the UN animals. It was Pik Botha, the former South Africa President at the peak of the anti-apartheid struggle, in reaction to the persistent riots against the racist regime. He came out with a statement that his regime would act more brutally if the riots did not stop: “…this uprising will bring out the beast in us”. Fela’s reminded us that President Reagan advocated: “..constructive engagement with the apartheid regime” among member nations of the UN. The same policy as Mrs. Thatcher - an indication that they were sharing the same friendship and animal characteristics as Botha. If this is so the UN can only be an assembly of Beasts of No Nation - felakuti.bandcamp.com

[@pluggedscope3007]

Thanks

[@Mimi.Talkss]

🧢

[@rogerbaudoin7560]

Qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq

[@kuntakinte6871]

Thank you for the explication. It s hard for an european like me to understand all the lyrics and their meaning. Teachers should teach schoolboys and girls about Fela Kuti when talking about Afrika. This would make pupils comprehend better the situation in that continent

[@princedavido]

@@kuntakinte6871 where you from?

[@lucasamtab]

i would never immagine I would be able to hear a 28 minutes song and once finished repeat it again few times . Great Fela. Respect from italy

[@ogaf3578]

I also thought so too, I can't believe it

[@tonyroyal8449]

Ikr

[@noireverite9362]

FACTS 👏🏾

[@MajorrBison]

Type of songs you play when you take road trips, by the time you listen to 3 tracks you are half way into a two and half hr trip.

[@africarib]

It's just perfect

[@emstudios14]

Some legends can never be forgotten, This is one of them.

[@sirnilu1556]

This is spiritual not ordinary music.i have listened to this track more than 100 times

[@MaybeDHitHim]

I'm an atheist and I can agree. This ain't coming from this dimension.

[@dickie748]

Truly.

[@beautifullifemedia2733]

💯

[@the.studio]

@@MaybeDHitHim😊

[@jaywow6973]

Indeed

[@AAde-or3qz]

Listening to this after the Nigerian government opened fire on peaceful protesters in Lekki, Lagos 20/10/20. These protesters were protesting police brutality ironically. The government that did that,.. is the Same government headed by Buhari called ".. an animal in human skin.." in this song by Fela. What foresight. What genius! Nothing's changed in 40 years!.. but change is coming soon with an apocalyptic force.

[@brightonpoint8011]

Change is coming in full force I’m not Nigerian but I stand with my fellow Africans we are all going through almost the same situations #EndSARS

[@Methadone4Life]

@@brightonpoint8011 I am obviously not African, but I stand with all of the oppressed out there!!! One day the elitist pigs will get what they have deserved for 400 years. I'm with all of you fighting out there in Nigeria...still feel you are my brothers and sisters of the human race!

[@kylecrider8876]

me too

[@davidhugh2344]

Y’all saying you’re not African , are you black ?

[@chidibenson9021]

History repeating itself, am sorry for that country

[@matteo3433]

i discovered fela by my father i'm 19yo white guy from France, i listen fela since i was a little baby, fela is a legend this man is brave and a real warrior, all songs by fela have something unique, the atmosphere is so good, positive vibrations, fela was the best prophet for Africa, for Nigeria, he was The Beast of the Nation. Love fela kuti and real afro-beat, fela watching us in the sky, he's always here with his music, keep fighting with the passion for the freedom in the world 🙏

[@chrisosty8372]

Just this week, on a fluke, as I was flipping channels on my radio in my truck a college radio station was playing water no get enemy and as I listened for the very first time, I was completely hooked, and I am almost 50 yrs old, It's a shame America`s typical radio stations, plus the government and or whoever else hid my ears and eyes from this amazing BEAUTIFUL BROTHER / MUSICAL ARTIST !

[@Samuelkings]

This song awakens the soul either black or white, but the elite wont have it

[@R.0.A]

Follow this Man and read about it and see how great he is. What he said in the 70s is exactly what Nigeria is going through right now like he's Nostradamus or something. Greatest African Musician to the world. Fela Anikulakpo Kuti

[@MrTimesetter]

Better late than never!

[@jasonharrison5765]

White male in the Midlands area of UK. The specials and bob marley brought me here, but damn Fela is beyond mere words. You just have to bow your head and thank the universe and Fela that this music exists 🎶🎶🎶❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@waleabiodun5788]

This is more than music - it's a lecture, education, iconoclasm. Can never get tired of this tune.. the best of Fela's incredible body of work.

[@angelawoods7229]

Any nigerian here in 2020??. Fela had talked about the current situation a decade ago. A true Legend.

[@ahmedbashir3086]

I'm here. Indeed I've been very moody all day. I miss baba even as I never knew him in person. I just believed in him from the first day I heard his song. The man was a prophet. He talked and warned us about our leaders even Buhari. May he continue to rest in piece.

[@sirclint0n]

A decade?? You mean many decades. Haha

[@chikezieokoli4320]

🙏🏾🙏🏾💔💔

[@alvarogarciaherrero8240]

He died in 1997

[@bolanl211]

@@sirclint0nclose to four decades

[@fredericko9294]

Sounds like he released it yesterday. Legends never die!

[@thelolu73]

You damn right on that

[@Methadone4Life]

I can't quit listening. Fuck....so damn good!! I feel like a kid with a new toy, just loving the music and now am soaking up knowledge of the man, his people, his offspring and the plight of Africa. We must all stand together to fight greed, slavery and corporatism! How did I live 50 years without being turned onto this great music? I love R&B, Blues, Jazz, Hip-Hop but this is just something else altogether! When you learn about the man it makes the music even better if you know what I mean!

[@akhenchamp7325]

i feel you

[@jimmorrison5520]

Word.

[@complexpassions]

Real talk man. I remember thinking the same things when I discovered his music ten years ago. Haven't stopped listening since.

[@efosaosahon9728]

Yeah pretty addictive and futuristic as well. He sure lives on.

[@Avshalom444]

Efosa Osahon o0

[@viqwinner]

I'm close to tears right now, not necessarily because I miss Fela - which I do - but for the dept of emotion it evokes. It's a true massacre of the soul: painful, yet uplifting; sad, yet joyous; diversified, yet uniting; disconcerting, yet enlightening. To enjoy Fela listen to each song various times, trying to digest one segment, instrument, lyrics etc at a time. I remember when Fela was locked up in Binin prison, Edo state. A motley group of us guys and galz would take giant cassette tape players beside the prison walls and blast Fela songs and dace. It was mind-blowing when Fela was released and he mentioned the fact that in his cell he heard us playing his music from across the prison wall.

[@j1w170]

so true

[@tanksmakau7672]

I was there too

[@sojiadamo5212]

Absolutely

[@TorEtCetera]

That’s beautiful

[@seanbeukman9563]

How beautiful!

[@bobrossantichrisst]

I’m half Liberian and American. I was raised by my American family to more or less reject my african roots. After a period of self discovery and living in west Africa. I cannot day how proud, humbled, and excited to apart of such a rich culture. Filled with the most beautiful people I have ever seen, inside and out. The spirit is there, it’s underneath all this colonial globalization. I will carry the african flag till the day I die.

[@ObaOrisha]

Tabitha Timbuktu. You made the right decision brother

[@gregoryonyx1]

We are proud of you, Africa unite ✊🏾

[@afrizak]

Which part of w Africa?

[@gregoryonyx1]

afrizak Nigeria

[@bobrossantichrisst]

afrizak Liberia, and Senegal

[@OutlawStarkiller]

I'm half Nigerian and only just starting to embrace the other side of my heritage. I found it sad that I can't even speak my own language and know little about my culture, so my mom recommended this as a starting point. I was NOT disappointed!

[@OLAODUS-cs5sl]

+OutlawStarkiller Good of you, welcome to the fold! Your aka is interesting though.

[@IowaCampaign]

+OutlawStarkiller what else does your mom say!?

[@dawsonkoons9335]

+OutlawStarkiller murica?

[@mingotubman3790]

gotta start from somewhere...

[@Jubanen12]

+OutlawStarkiller your mom is wise :) Fela Kuti is amazing

[@Laugk]

This is one of the most wonderful pieces of art in human history. It's just so good.

[@Jasitus]

People don’t really know how good this record is…

[@shaspearman8647]

Agreed

[@adeamujale]

Oh my gold! his backup singers are a class of their own. Choristers extraordinaire.

[@cyprinebintian4963]

2024, we still dey

[@ndubanamoonde2703]

My dear cousin Fred introduced me to this music in 1979. Imagine 35 years down I 'm still listening to it and getting mesmerized at the message.

[@okoman]

Reagan, Thatcher, Botha, Buhari, Idiagbon. Around 1985

[@bolaowoade]

Personally I rate Fela as the best musician to come out Nigeria and one of the greatest saxophonists on earth. His composition of music was just brilliant. How many musicians can right a single track that spans over 15 minutes and still capture your attention. I don't know of any. Even if you disagree with aspects of his lifestyle you can't fault his talent. The man was just exceptional.

[@habibabdulmalik5417]

Great Words

[@mimzswaggatainment1364]

Mobolaji Owoade makes me think about the future and I think we have to do is get it right and the rest is a a a a a a a a lot about how to use it as a a a a a a a a techie to 30th and 6th 9th 4 years old and 630th and 6 pm 4

[@noireverite9362]

Family I'm In America NO Musician Is As Genius and As Epic as FELA ✊🏽💜💯

[@juanestadian8471]

Its a toss up between him and Hugh Masekela for the title of greatest composer from Africa. I give fela the nod for his ability to connect seemingly disparate rhythms into one polyrhythmic groove.

[@lordydaddy]

Agree!! additionally, Lets also not forget most of Africa's great Musician are unknown worldwide and some tended to have long songs and were brilliant with instruments e.g. Franco and TPOK, Cesaria Evora, Ali Farka Toure, H.Masekela, Manu dibango, Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, Toumani Diabate, Baaba mal, Salif keita, tinariwen etc etc so many

[@kabaamiata5525]

He is immortal. Current generations of Nigerian musicians must salute his memory with respect. He laid the foundation before going away forever

[@bokidimi5215]

fella a warrior, a saint, a sinner, a musician. a philosopher, a poet..i bow down to my fella, fela Kuti, God B Bless you, man, Human

[@gdibiz1000]

I'm also half Nigerian, after visiting my ancestral home 5 or 6 years ago I changed my surname to Dafe. My happiest days are when I'm in Nigeria. Its the one time I feel closer to my late father Ovie Dafe. Thanks for posting this.

[@yogiemota1277]

Na man you be

[@yogiemota1277]

You must be from Delta my neighbour

[@akikiaovie]

Urhobo waddo my fellow brother our history is very rich I can trace my roots more than 6 generations back

[@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799]

Cian Dafe oniovo mavoo how d matter Dey go na?

[@akikiaovie]

One thing are you from Australia? A lot of Urhobos go to Australia that’s our place.

[@b1slee267]

Peace to my brothas n sistas. Love y’all 🖤✊🏾 from here in the states to mother Africa to all the melanated kinfolks in the other countries that has the same love for us as your brothas n sistas

[@sphamandlakhambule4812]

Big up yourself

[@aluwanijuniortshila7816]

Respect to the big tree Mr Fela Kuti, Nigeria will never ever produce a musician like Mr Fela Kuti again, continue to rest in peace the legend.

[@rahulrind]

Am from India and about read about Fela in Chimamanda's book... and KZbinD FELA and am so loving Fela :-) Nigeria and its people are awesome.. Great nation..

[@kudawilfred]

Rahul R me too! I discovered him in half of a yellow sun.😄

[@madhuritagoswami732]

In americanah :)

[@olubukonla7352]

which BOOK was that?

[@michaelobinna6979]

Olu Bukonla purple hibiscus

[@cambridgelassearth3685]

I’m glad I was born in the early 80s. As bad as things were in those days.I still have lovely memories growing up in Nigeria. Who would have thought when Fela was lamenting about the state of affairs in those days that things would get this bad? He was right about Buhari. Listen to when he sings.. “ Nigerian government o dem say my people are useless etc”. Exactly Buhari’s sentiments today about Nigerian youths when he labelled them “ lazy youths”. Fela’s words couldn’t be more relevant today given the current state of things in Nigeria and the world in general. RIP legend.

[@Babatundey]

Whoever Disliked this music is an IGNORANT... The greatest Artist that ever graced Nigeria and Africa at large

[@JerseyMcgee81]

+Babatundey Not just Africa...

[@BubbleManxx]

+Babatundey He's respected across the planet.

[@dengueberries]

He's respected across the solar system.

[@michaelburke7742]

+Babatundey Why even waist time on them dislikes?

[@Methadone4Life]

Agree Baba...have to be ignorant not to love and respect the man and his music

[@giorgosktis8945]

i am from Greece and believe me people who are really in to music respect and love Fella despite the fact that we come from a region with totally diferent culture . Fella cuti for me is universal he represent people's passion for freedom

[@manalghanem7403]

Giorgos kti hi

[@forgetfulfunctor1]

nuff respect

[@moneymaster6575]

Respect filos mou.

[@adewaletoyinbo2810]

Giorgos ktis , true talk , legendary Fęla Kutti!!.

[@nihilistambush1583]

μπραβο ρε μαγκα!!!!!!!

[@adamdude58]

I'm a white dude from Canada I just found this music and it's dope! Amazing discovery today!!

[@franknitty2485]

That's awesome...keep discovering.

[@dubemdumdum4127]

Thanks bro... A lot of more fela is still around but if you sing out they ban and charge you for hate speech but they cannot silence the will of the people!!!

[@robc1504]

Me aswell! Listen to about an hour of Fela now...amazing music

[@mwanziesaffa3071]

Welcome HOME brother....Now pass us that scama...puff puff pass we know. Fela INVENTED it.

[@kachyn_]

At least you have good taste

[@josafathrayon5024]

I'm mexican,,,when I listen kuty I feel very spiritual

[@Lalachicki]

"They treated us like animals, now they want to give us human rights!" Man Fela was king! This is spiritual! "No, they were the animals and they can't give US human rights!" Beasts of NO NATION

[@akikiaovie]

Lalachicki I believe this is the music you’d hear in the afterlife

[@jcrass2361]

Powerful

[@awolchief1145]

Well said. We are listening to this across the river in the states as well. Sounds from a home we never seen and only heard about

[@adewilliams8]

Correct.

[@lolaadesina5362]

Apt!

[@samforryan468]

Press play and watch 28 minutes disappear... so mesmerising it feels like a 5 minute track, the time flies!

[@nkechidouglas5541]

Dude holds you in thrall.

[@online237374]

You have to think.... and ask yourself what compels a man to compose such wicked timeless masterpiece of a track! I have no clue!!!!

[@DJmalawsome]

Ignorance of Oneness!!

[@jimmysteeve7702]

Love for his people I guess

[@ChristopherHarbrant]

Truth and Love

[@christopheradingupu981]

Pain, suffering and passion for a country he loves.

[@taiwoola6497]

He went to UK and didn't feel like home. He had passion for Africa in general and woke asf

[@seanbeukman9563]

This is brilliant storytelling. Oral tradition for handing down of history and culture. Serious wow! I love Fela so much. Too many reasons....

[@easyware]

This man is the greatest musician that I have ever been privileged to listen to, bar none.

[@Narikeljinjira]

You said man.

[@MommyXx2]

Soul touching . even made my 3 year old brother relax

[@bonnndegwa9035]

+Imani Taylor My daughter is called Imani!... still not interested in music though... 4YO

[@MommyXx2]

+Bonn Ndegwa beautiful choice for name lol she'll grow to love it I think he just likes the sounds and words he's never heard his native language before

[@kurajosariemen0991]

The soul knows something nice when it hears it

[@producereb]

His writing skills helped me develop my story telling side when it comes to music or movie scripts. He knows how to capture the mind of listeners before the main event of his stories in music. I preach his style of composition to my fellow musicians and producers.

[@chubbs_tubby3360]

Absolutely magnificent lyricist!

[@lekanadanijo1627]

"Wetin united about United Nations?" Fela sang about this decades ago. Still appears true.

[@femtan4real]

Yo, all these Nigerian singers Wizkid, Davido and the rest, need to stop saying they're inspired by Fela because there's no way they talk about the same stuff.

[@danieldaramola1855]

+Femi Tanimonure Hello I really don't like to talk about people opinions but we should know fela is a broad person and someone can be influenced by a part of him aside his polictical views eg. wizkid has used a lot of his lines and song title the "she go say she no be lady"',"expensive shit","zombie" and so many others. Many of them use beats similar to his and sing afrobeats also. He was into African religion that doesn't mean every one he inspire should keep his religions views. Peace Out. A ra ra ra ra

[@kahandi_manjata]

they are turning it upside down...if that is the case..they should say they are inspired by marijuanah not fela

[@Methadone4Life]

His views were about standing up for whats right, even at risk to your own health and well being, something the brainwashed masses here in the U.S have forgotten.

[@ole6945]

Sorry, I have to disagree with you on this one. I can hear his influence in most Naija music I hear. Distinctly naija, it permeates in the pop culture of the music of the naija artists today. Unlike the music in SA which is sounding more and more American by the day.

[@sticks7795]

u r yabbing shit bro

[@lawrenceeyo-ita8891]

Fela the man who saw tomorrow, lives on Legend 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@chikezieokoli4320]

Who’s here after the massacre in lekki 💔💔🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@NkuteHogan]

Same old Naija

[@lunsas]

I’m here bro . Hmmmm

[@davidken273]

😭

[@manlikedrey]

💔💔

[@adeokuneye7429]

Its tough guys but let's take some consolation in the overall message we have portrayed. I think we need to keep the momentum going but with some strategy. The Massacre must not be in Vein...

[@abodeofhaven1]

Epitome of authenticity, originality and humanity interwoven into Afrocentrism quest for true emancipation! Rest in peace Sir Fela! A true legend, an iconic figure in sociopolitical discourse especially in Nigeria. Love listening to him always....Growing up in Nigeria solidified my admiration for Fela Kuti.

[@fabioraimundo3858]

I'm "adicted" to Fela since years and years, it's such an amazing work he did with his music, i deeply love it and i wish i can show his talent to more and more people. Peace, love, respect and freedom for all ;)

[@thenewsroomtv402]

This song foretold Nigeria of 2015 and to date. Fela was a prophet. He saw tomorrow.

[@stefanopinzi5345]

What a man can do! How can a man have this talent, commitment, resilience and spirituality! An example for all of us! No more racism. No more injustice. No more competition but cooperation. Only one race, the human one.

[@rickexcelarms]

Africa's Brightest & greatest music export. Fela Kuti, the people's champion, lives on. Thank you for all the beautiful & timeless rhymes.

[@peteg3596]

Fela the king! Saw his son Fema in Montreal jazz fest few yr back, randomly heard a fela song and thought oh yeah we'll have bit of that, he played all his dads songs, was special night

[@mattblackninja]

didnt realise this is where the film title came from. amazing film btw. and great tune!

[@johnkabuoro6021]

Right the film got its title from this song but misrepresented facts in this song the beast wears suits and ties i.e the UN and world leaders but in the film the beast were rebels with guns

[@Lrozzie]

The phrase was also used in Chinua Achebe's "No longer at ease"

[@gordoyt2011]

I lived in Nigeria from 1968-1972; the music of Fela Ransome-Kuti was everywhere as I recall, I spent many happy times (yes, I said "happy times") exploring the streets of Ibadan and Jos. (Schools were Hillcrest School in Jos, and ISI in Ibadan; our family lived in Ibadan.) Disease, poverty, highway robbers, horrific car crashes, snakes, war - but what a wonderful place for a boy in those years - insulated as we were by virtue of being diplomat kids. I will always remember the sight of Yakubu Gowon's motorcade roaring past as I leaned on my bicycle and waved; once he waved back to me. I still remember some Yoruba and love to talk to Nigerians that I meet.

[@ADAJ3KINGANGEL]

Where are you from?

[@lisadunn7189]

Happy, happy. I know what you mean. But Now?

[@TheBabane02]

Disease, poverty, highway robbers, horrific car crashes, snakes, war" we all remember different things. Maybe age, maybe location but I think all that apart from snakes crept in with the later end of the 1970s. For me in Lagos at that time I wont change any one thing from my childhood. One thing I do remember, like you is Gowon's motorcade. Now that was something else from a child's perspective. I still haven't forgotten that myself. My school was on Ikorodu road and the airport was at Ikeja about 10 km away; yet when Gowon's motorcade starts their engines up, we heard the roar in our school compound many kilometers away. 5 minutes before the first motorcars appear the motorcycle outriders would have started out in front of him entertaining us with various maneuvers. Those were the days.

[@allmathhelp]

I guess I grew up in another Lagos..........

[@TheBabane02]

You must have if you love Maths ;)

[@trapugnorris]

I just found out dis guy like a month ago, now it's my favorite artist, so glad to hear that.

[@cleanthopropercatnip3897]

sending healing and protective energy to all listening, and all not listening. My fellow humans, we are all family, we are all one. we must unite. 2020

[@olufemiolowolafe3171]

I’m listening to this masterpiece in 2020 with all that’s happening in our world today and Fela’s arguments remain valid and relevant. Wooow !

[@i_am_kayode]

This is such a beautiful song. Almost shed a tear listening to this. King Kuti!!!

[@funmilolaayoola8041]

Kayode Fabunmi exactly

[@shaspearman8647]

I know right? I cry at the thought of this song. But I’m a lady 🥲

[@pelumi4942]

imagine. he told us years ago Buhari is an animal in craze man skin and we still went ahead and voted him civilian President hope you're all happy now

[@mariusenescu6997]

I hereby declare Fela Kuti one of my favorite legends. His music and his beliefs are beyond ordinary human understanding. I humbly bow before his talent and vision. I am following his Nigerian spirit and greet all his admirers as brothers.

[@TMartins379]

This track is a masterpiece. You can feel it in your bones.

[@janossandor6517]

Once I've listened to this song with my friends in the kitchen, I gues they felt a little uncomfortable because they have never listened to music like this. It was ended up as they said "It was something" :D, I gues they will understand the deepness of this underground spiritual game soon.

[@Roonlovesfish3874]

Couldn't have said it any better.

[@davidkariu2330]

First time I heard it I was SHOOK. I literally just stared at my phone for a good thrirty minutes.

[@davidolutola7611]

Fela they did it again!! They opened fire on us at lekki tollgate!! 20/10/2020 we will never forget ✊🏽

[@theelectricprince8231]

The army and police need to be reformed but there was no killing at Lekki toll gate, you don't have to lie to implicate them.

[@dominicadaeze3226]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@nnamdinwuchukwu6995]

Until and unless Sovereign National Conference and Referendum are conducted Nigeria remains a geopolitical expression of Northern Hegemony for the Hausa Fulani Oligarchy and by the British. Lekki Tollgate is a microcosm of the systemic dehumanization inherent in the colonial contraption called Nigeria, no thanks to the insidious Oligarchy serving the unbridled yet subtle interests of neo-imperialists, the latest adventurer (on the African continent) being The Dragon Empire.

[@nnamdinwuchukwu6995]

@@theelectricprince8231 only pathetic supporters of misrule and hypocrisy of political correctness speak the way you do. You've become a passive or active adherent of technofascism delighting in the sophistory of ignorance and escapism. Arise to your true patriotic soulbeat - Oduduwa Republic. Au revoir. Viva Negritude Banner!

[@theelectricprince8231]

@@nnamdinwuchukwu6995 IOPB bigot. Haven't you terrorised the SE enough.

[@alabajohnsonolawole990]

And everything he say and come to pass now, RIP legend.

[@scoobydisney]

Every second of this just feels so right, so true. It almost as if I knew it by heart before ever listening to it, somehow. Each note that comes has me thinking, "Yes - of course that's how it goes."

[@adewusiayobami5354]

This is 2022 and the word of the greatest Musical prophet is as it was since. Fela Kuti lives on

[@osenienemayimichael544]

Abamieda,Baba 70. This Man played Classical African Music ,also known as Afro beat not Afro Beats. GF. Handel nor do pass this one. Fela is in that class if not even above

[@ralphwilliams3476]

Saw bro. In L.A. years ago. His music is iconic

[@Lilla-Mika]

Even in 2059 we will be here. Legends live forever ❤

[@terrelleVision]

Fela was my bridge to Afro-Rhythms. Now I have a unbreakable vein to the endless collection of African Afro-Beat. It is beautiful how American jazz, funk and blues rhythms fused together with the cool creative vibrations of African music and feelings and I think Fela perfected it. His music magically opens doors to the instruments within our souls. Nothing like it. I can't imagine why I had not found Fela's music for so long but he is here to stay. Blessings.

[@kentha1578]

First of all don’t call jazz, funk, blues, hip hop american music. The same thing with reggae to be Jamaican music or samba to be Brazilian music they are all African music. This were music made by Africans who seemed to live or born in another nation. There were no hip hop or soul music or samba or reggae music in those countries or nations until they stole my people and took them to those nations. Just like the way they still everything from us, those music were made by children of African men and women who were born in those lands through the culture and music they were thought by there African families.

[@christophercarmona3575]

Kenneth.tamuno Tamuno you are mistaken. Africans have cultivated a new sound. But so have other groups of people. Grow up and Stop the pitty party. Things in the past are of the past. Be something new. Since you an expert

[@kentha1578]

Christopher you are right in some points but not all, you can’t tell someone to forget his/her past because if they do they would be lost forever. Culture and traditions are a product of past experiences wether good or bad. Other race can forget their past and act like everything is okay but black people don’t we use the past to remind ourselves mistakes we should not have made, things we should have changed and what we can do to change and adjust today and tomorrow

[@olubibabalola]

remember jazz etc also had african contributions at root. the influences have "crossed the water" in both directions several times and will continue to do so.

[@lafever8742]

When I listen to this I just don't understand racism and discrimination. This music is amazing. Whether you are black, brown,white, asian or alien, Fela Kuti will groove your soul. Power to the people!

[@TheFunkyKingston]

Brother Fela Kuti, will be for ever a great "fella"...Mama Africa is in our hearts! Much love from Greece!!

[@raymondmole5396]

Baba kuti always was a futurist, visionary, n a missionary with his music was never a biased human..

[@omanfaruk1777]

who still listens to this songs in 2016..........i do and i am a ghanaian(fela is a rock that can not be broken with time )

[@kafilarosa]

agree

[@kafilarosa]

agree

[@ketaminemeltdown]

People with good taste :)

[@starborn599]

The best...hands down

[@Methadone4Life]

Listen and loving every beat and smooth transition......so damn good!! True leader and revolutionary!!!!

[@wardi1116]

Omar Faruk...I agree with 100% and mark you, I am Somali and I live in Somalia..Music has no boundaries..fela Kuti is great...

[@seanbeukman9563]

Gentleman, coffin for head of state, ITT, Water no get enemy, WERE my go-to's....beasts of no nation has been playing everyday for the last week and a half. Papa Fela! My hero!

[@ayotundefalana4079]

*Abami Eda!! U left us all today; 2nd August 1997; 24yrs today! A Legend is gone!!*...Baba 70!✊✊✊Maybe gone! but his spirit still lives on!!...ABAMI EDA!!!

[@ezeukwuosuagwu3698]

How could a man speak TRUTH, undiluted in such pure form. As relevant yesterday as it is in present day World. Fela is an African, and has dialoged with the kindred spirit of the first men. He spoke what they stood for, TRUTH. In a world thriving on blatant and subtle lies, it is such men, and their spirits, that keep the Force of TRUTH in resonance. Baba, Most men and women ruling and deciding world affairs have "Animal Sense", they have lost their humanity, and have chosen to reduce the level of discuss. If only they could grasp what you mean by the "Underground spiritual game..". I thank you Fela, your convinctions are part of my DNA. I talk no more...only enjoying the properties of your voice, your tempo, command of music... and love for the human being. Let our spirits meet in your Shrine in Agidingbi, Ikeja. Nigeria.

[@ochanyamichelle]

Nigeria has made some awesome people.

[@african-history-fountain]

Yep, like Wole Soyinka, the first black writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, and Aliko Dangote, the world's richest black person, worth over 20 billion USD, and currently building the world's largest oil refinery in Lagos worth 12 billion USD.

[@walkyesdating6659]

Tnx

[@gambo9770]

@@african-history-fountain remove dangote on lists of Africa history

[@danieltaiwo9000]

@@gambo9770 why cuz u can't be the richest black man alive, hater

[@otobongpius9442]

i am a full blooded Nigerian and i never tire to listen to the great lyrics of this African Legend. Sadly, the ills he spoke and sang about still live with us today in Nigeria and Africa.

[@Agognan__K]

Stuttgart 2024 but Fela still dey 🖤✊🏾

[@wilsonolaiya7578]

Every instrument just finds itself in this masterpiece. This joint is real dope in lyrics, melody, arrangement, syncopation - name it. Fela to the world!

[@MB-gx3jn]

Nice! I'll go with that! All the best

[@birdbrainofbritain5146]

Im British and I have discovered Fela Kuti for serious 2017. This music is beautiful for all the creeds on this poor little planet

[@JooliganDyer]

Greatest Fela tune for me. Africa Centre Covent Garden. All 28 minutes of it. Boy I got sweaty. ❤❤❤

[@emmanuelabatta4107]

Fela was more than a musician. I call him a Seer. Most of the things he sang on are happening right now many years after his existence. He was a philosopher and a music legend. I respect him and Bob Marley

[@nevillenwabuzor7828]

He has engraved his name in the book of legends and will forever be remembered, his songs are so deep.

[@beautifyyourlife6912]

We should have listened to u about buhari. The younger generation didn’t know his antecedents. We thought he would destroy Boko Haram. He destroyed us instead.💔 #lekkimassacre

[@queeniyoyojie2049]

Powerful one

[@shulestuff]

Grew up in Kenya in the 70s listening to "African Woman", then saw Fela in Baltimore in 91 when he opened for Jimmy Cliff; 2

[@geokaks1]

What Felt sang about in 1984 still applied in Nigeria today! 'Animal' talk by so-called leaders in Nigeria, etc.

[@akikiaovie]

Next decade all these old men will be the dead and the youths will move in

[@lalosaurioXL]

I don't know how the heck I got here, but I like it

[@jeffrrryyy]

one of the realist dudes ever to make music ...

[@jaibanks7151]

jeffrrryyy Agree TOTALLY !

[@relaxpayourincometax]

Agreed! (aside - that's exactly how I'm going to spell my brother's name from now on. Thanks.)

[@preedestined1]

Gotta thank my baby Torrance Littles for puttin me up on this man! Respect!💯✊🏾👊🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@akikiaovie]

Shapree Mallory Fela anytime I listen to him I’m in tears because everything he said is still happening today in 🇳🇬 and the world the saddest thing is that it’s still the same people he spoke about ruling Nigeria still doing the same things they did😞

[@emmanuelgbeho947]

First time I've listened to this properly. To me it's the quintessence of call and response. Why have I missed it all along. First the horns and other instruments talk amongst themselves for the first hàĺf of the piece then Fela takes over, assumes the role of lead caller. The interaction continues ofy he horns and the other

[@Superfuse7697]

I'm just so glad to note, that there are so many positive comments found here... Some of you are really taking this music / lyrics to your souls..!!! That's great..!!! Good on all of you dear friends.. It's my first time listening and getting to know about this artist :-)

[@oluwaseyifasoye8168]

Robert K. Santiago 9

[@cresptonoshua7565]

I’m listening today 21 July Sunday 2019...I went back to listen to baba and found out that what he saw about Nigeria and the govt yrs before I was born it’s still playing out ....I was born 1984 when Buhari was the newly president of Nigeria and till date he’s back in power 2019 and all fela talked about him in his music is what I’m seeing wow 😮......fela said Buhari will say his people are stupid and corrupt and Buhari actually said it in 2017 wen he was interviewed in London,saying Nigerian are corrupt.......now I can relate why this man is glorified in Nigerian music....rest in peace baba I wish they listened to you,I would have had a beautiful country to be proud of but nah...I have even ran away to another country...they are barbaric in Nigeria 👈🏽😭😭😭they are destiny killers there,they lied that Children are the leaders of tomorrow and now I’m a man with no freedom to even talk,talkless of leading .....they are all still there and alive ...old men that eats food meant for children😭😭😭

[@xolastemele266]

Fela is enough reason to believe in Africa!

[@josepharmstrong5525]

Most beautiful sax playing at 7:11 mark. Brings me to tears every time 😭

[@olagokeabodunde3342]

He wept with his saxophone

[@mercykings8949]

Lucky Dube for South Africa, Bob Marley for Jamaica and Fela for Nigeria. One love. All preaching same message. Different style. Long live all legends over the world

[@Mizzlenum]

I love all 3. RIP in heaven.

[@GerardoGarcia-vy6cy]

Vivo en Venezuela y tengo 60 años.... Cuando era niño los escuché por primera vez.... Y fue en que por "casualidad" en el 2021 los re encontré en mi subconsciente.... Han pasado con 50 años Y NO PARECE QUE FUERA MUSICA PARA RECORDAR... No puedo parar de disfrutar este ritmo ÚNICO... Que buena es la vida con FELA..!

[@missnatural5494]

My man introduced me to this legend and boy! Do I love him. I mean Fela yes, of course I love my man too. My igbo man 😍😍😍

[@darrengavin8805]

Am an American and i love your song so much ,You gave me and my entire family so much inspiration and courage ,Continue to Rest In Peace Legend ,Love you Sir Fela .

[@jamescarter2519]

Glad u liked the song...shame Nigeria lost her roots long ago..fela is a visionist in the music industry

[@afeesakinsanya2570]

Nice for you. Thanks

[@JerseyMcgee81]

This is more than just music, its spiritual....

[@dryjean7437]

+jersey Mcgee Yes, its a spiritual way with force...

[@simartnullnet]

+jersey Mcgee Yes, spiritual jazz at its best!

[@dryjean7437]

Yes, my friend. NO difference, ONLY ways. Do it...

[@mandlasithole8147]

+jersey Mcgee agree wholeheartedly!! great!!

[@thecreatorsloveequates9742]

absolutely! 😊😊😊👑👑

[@0laarewa323]

I just realized that I have to dig it out for people who don't know prophet Fela omo kuti

[@centhify5943]

The only true PROPHET Nigerians ever had, may your soul continue to rest in peace, Amen.

[@donmuns4eva]

Sir Fela you're not alive here today but with your songs you're still alive bcos everything you said in your songs are true in Nigeria today. You're so wonderful man. we will not forget you sir. you're the best till tomorrow.