Sir Paul McCartney - Thoughts On Fela

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This is part of a series of videos presenting the salutations of celebrities on the occasion of what would have been Fela's 75th birthday. Also on this day, 15th October, Knitting Factory Records are releasing Red Hot + Fela, a compilation album featuring interpretations of Fela songs by a raft of top drawer artists. All profits from this album go towards combatting AIDS.
Paul McCartney describes meeting Fela, his visit to the Shrine and his favourite Fela song.
Red Hot is an AIDS awareness organisation currently partnering with Knitting Factory Records to present a collection of cross-genre collaborations representing rock, hip-hop, Americana, and classical for an album release of Fela Kuti compositions, 'RED HOT + FELA' (Knitting Factory, 15 October 2013). The release includes classic Fela anthems like "Lady" recorded by tUnE-yArDs, ?uestlove (The Roots), Angelique Kidjo and Akua Naru, "Zombie" recorded by Spoek Mathambo, Cerebral Cortex and Frown, "Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am" recorded by My Morning Jacket, Merrill Garbus (from tUnE-yArDs), and Brittany Howard (from Alabama Shakes) and "Sorrow, Tears & Blood" reworked by the Kronos Quartet along with TV On The Radio's Kyp Malone and Tunde Adembimpe.
Red Hot + Fela now available on iTunes and Amazon, also on CD and Vinyl.

[@Devan-he4kr]

I love the idea of Fela Kuti expecting to hear something that sounds like his stuff and all of a sudden Paul starts playing Jet.

[@michaelgoodman3428]

....or "Bluebird"! I don't know why, I always think of him playing "Bluebird" for Fela! lol.

[@nkechidouglas5541]

Profound respect to Sir Maccartney. He actually remembered the unique Fela strains after so many years, a song he heard under the influence of strong narcotics! What a legend he is.

[@santusunuovoraye6886]

Sir Paul McCartney is simply a genius to remember that riff 40 years after 🔥💯

[@maximbelmont4641]

Or maybe he just have a great musical memory

[@sarassoap]

this riff dear Paul, is actually from "Why Black men dey suffer", this is confirmed by Uwa (the one and only Uwarity)

[@imranjb-kazeem4143]

Thanks a lot man

[@queeniwearth]

LOL!!!! Paul 😂

[@warilaetamaraye8712]

The evening I attended the shrine to watch fella is been one life experience i couldn't forget. It's a privilege i got from God! I was in my late 20s. I mustered the courage to go up to him during break time and planted a kiss on his cheek! It's one of the cheekiest act of courage i ever did I thank God for it. I never had another opportunity to see him again. I went to england, and 10years later the beautiful soul,that is Fela passed. RIPOWER FELA!! NO ONE CAN TAKE HIS PLACE!! Hi children should find their own destinies, instead of wanting to be another fela.

[@MrOwolabi77]

The "circumstances" that Paul refers to may have something to do with "gbana"/"igbo". The fact that he remembers the riff is a testament to both Paul's talent and the power of Fela's music .

[@mikegeo111]

Well said

[@hw343434]

What is gnaba/igbo?

[@themancable]

@@hw343434 ganja, weed

[@brodjefferson3513]

Might be because he's fucking stupid, strings three chords together, acts like he's a big fan of Fela but doesn't even know the riff of one of his most important songs. McCartney is a pretender.

[@drunkenmasterii3250]

@@brodjefferson3513 and you’re an idiot?

[@adeyinkajegede6002]

You rock, Sir. Paul McCartney for recognising/identifying with this talented African music legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. I mean, Fela epitomizes all that is deep in the world's African music experience. Kudos to you, sir.

[@TellAStoryofficial00]

The fact is FELA was inventing music he wasn't just playing it. I still do feel emotional when playing WATER E NO GET ENEMY

[@chronicledchronicles2104]

Fela made Paul McCartney cry..... That is the power of African rhythms and President Fela Kuti....

[@user-mf1ql5fz5v]

Its just Music. It can make people cry indeed Always trying to ti make it about Race yet are the first to scream Racism at the drop of a hat

[@oyinbojujuman]

This is the most favorite Fela song ofPaul McCartney: "WHY BLACKMAN DEY SUFFER"

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

He's mixing the songs up, Shakara Oloje and Woman presumably refers to Lady.

[@illitrait]

...blame it on the "weed", @@hansvandermeulen5515 - it was a hazy evening.

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

@@illitrait for the uninitiated Fela's songs may sound alike. So, even without weed that stuff might sound hazy. Well, it's sir Paul McCartney so it's likely that he did have a weed fueled hazy evening.

[@TheMrBennito]

I didn't know about their connection! I got into Fela's music through a friend of mine in Amsterdam, in the 80s, a black American jazz dancer. Mesmerizing music. Paul is such an inspiring and fantastic musician-composer, look at him digging into his Rhodes and the tune he produces. Magic!

[@TMartins379]

When he said the circumstances, I totally understand what he meant. The atmosphere at the shrine used to be crazy and yet very spiritual. I have never been anywhere like it.

[@illitrait]

...yup - circumstances. Anyone who went to 'Shrine' back in the day would understand **exactly** what McCartney is on about. The sessions were definitely beyond musical - I agree they were intensely spiritual. If you went in with an open heart you would leave enriched. Always.

[@Jide-bq9yf]

Lolz ; a world only Fela’s thunderous creativity could birth ; it tore you away from an ultra conservative neo colonial world outside , into one of hypnotic African beats and rhythms , licentious delight and compelling freedom .

[@marilynseptember21]

Sir Paul McCartney....ha man you dey make me laugh....love my white people's love of great music.....Beatles Fan....love that I grew up listening to all kinds of music, it crosses all races, genders, ages, religions, souls. Music is love, music is life! God bless all kinds of musicians.

[@missyadams]

Love this man even more for loving Naija music

[@pentangle78]

I did not know about this connection Paul-Fela and I am so happy to know that one of my favourite artists met another great artist that I don’t know so well but that I admire a lot.... Especially for the background song of the video which is indeed one of my favourite songs :) Africa is everywhere ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lizbourn4192]

I think Paul makes up most of the stuff he says as he goes along. Why is it only a this same story he repeats yet he claims he became “good friends” with Fela. Ginger Baker on the other hand was a great mate of Fela and they made great music together. Ginger went to stay with him to absorb the African drumming/rhythm.

[@ewest14]

​@@lizbourn4192 He probably only hung out with him a couple times or less and it was so long ago that he can only remember so much.

[@tonartification]

Paul on the Fender Rhodes, showing us that hypnotic Fela riff. McCartney still seems to be a fanatic of great music, no matter where it comes from! This is an eclectic musical taste that I appreciate, indeed!!

[@Drwdoyle]

Music IS the weapon. Thanks Sir Paul and thanks Fela!

[@yomboaderinto4319]

Fela's originality and creativity are not only the hallmarks of his works--his penchant for tempo, beats, rhythm and orchestration is universally appealing, especially to music geniuses around the world. Like Miles, Fela was true to his music and sought to top his last work with a more critically acclaimed sequel...each time. He played pureheartedly, never for money but for lustrous artistry. He was in sync with his craft and steeped in the soulfulness of African music. He was, again, original with no.match. it was the reason he accused Sir Paul of stealing--or wanting to steal-- African music. Sometimes, confidence and originality, as well as superb skills or talent, smack of arrogance. Fela, with his accusation of SirPaul, wasn't arrogant; he was confident--confident in his talent, skills, and Africaness. Only he could have aimed this suspicion at Sir Paul. At play here, though, on another level, is something beyond the orthographic metaphor of confidence and humility--Fela confident enough to launch the accusatory salvo, and Sir Paul humble enough, despite Fela's upbraid, to glowingly respect Fela's work. Respect becomes superlative or more valuable when it's traded between and among geniuses. This is the case between Fela and Sir Paul. No doubt, Fela's aura in artistry is timeless and universal.

[@pbellko]

Priceless history of paths crossing!

[@tinob.4375]

fela is the greatest Artist to have ever walked this planet,talking bout Music.

[@mundoinclinado5645]

That’s no true. Michael Jackson was and will ever be the greatest artist to have ever walked this planet

[@hombrerusode40anos72]

@@mundoinclinado5645 not even kidding

[@thomaskabembachilambwe8117]

To me Fela will always be my idol, long live

[@akikiaovie]

He lives on as far as the cause is still on

[@xestien]

I am part of the newest generation and Fela is still an inspiration ✨

[@MikePitt]

Great story!

[@zookat]

Yeah, Sir Paul was playing the riff to "Why Blackman Dey Suffer" Good ear! I've always loved the rhythm of that tune! "Kan-Gini Koko, Kan-Gini Jeeh-Jeeh... Kan-Gini Koko, Kan-Gini Jeeh-Jeeh..."

[@tacoeatingzebra]

Two of my favorite musicians.

[@innocentc.3521]

Glad fela had full awareness of what he was dealing with. In south Africa they said they only needed refreshments but 400yrs later, they are still getting refreshments

[@morrisalanisette9067]

i always loved that song too...

[@oosha72]

So many different vibes of the same song there at the time. All live and lots of fun.

[@snappingturtle3442]

So cool that Paul went to the Shrine!!!

[@akinolawale7518]

Great! Thanks, Sir Paul.

[@buka.a]

LEGENDARY

[@tegaakpokona2434]

The rift that eventually was used for ''Why black man dey suffer today''. Absolute phenomenal genius Fela

[@kolyxix]

It is so amazing to see Paul McCarthey give such a wonderful experience of with his encounter with fela. Btw, the music his was reffering to was SHAKARA

[@Ovie_1]

Abami Eda lives on🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@yvetteihemesinwa2981]

I didn't know the beatles came to my home country. I didn't even know he knew Fela...

[@imranjb-kazeem4143]

I know right I was surprised as well the first time I heard him say he went to Lagos. He also has deep knowledge of music around the world and loves it. That's what makes him special

[@illitrait]

...not sure The Beatles ever came to Lagos, but after their break-up, McCartney formed Wings. One of Wings' albums ("Band On The Run") was actually recorded in Lagos in 1973, and I recall seeing several pictures of the MacCartney family (Paul, wife Linda and young kids) casually hanging out with friends in Lagos.

[@Tomi_janet15]

​@@illitrait oh wow😮❤

[@Duwor]

Fela was born for this ❤️

[@AlfredHimmelweiss]

Lovely....

[@siaa7627]

Love Sir Paul 💟

[@MUde-ph7gr]

Sir Paul, well done!!

[@lifestories101.1]

Love Sir Paul, Love you Fela, come with me to Lagos baby...... unforgetable great feelings there.

[@spliffveron]

Excellent accuracy.

[@ovelonse]

LIKE THE GROOVE OF PIANO SOUND ON IT

[@kennedyihe5534]

Fela forever!

[@jiggeroo7]

FELA LIVES!!!

[@johnigbaifua5242]

Thanks Paul

[@gabbyg.b_youtube]

I love Paul McCartney 😩😀

[@darthluke66]

Isn't it ironic. Remembering WHY BLACK MAN DEY SUFFER.Very emotional music. JO MINI KOKO JO MINI GBE!!!

[@prodbydjsmalls]

ko gini koko

[@rhr3655]

love it

[@LENNYFERRARA-tr3ux]

legend recognizes legend,well done sir paul,rip baba fela.

[@panicandfreakout-]

This is the coolest thing I'ver ever seen McCartney DO !

[@drutgat2]

Actually, based on what he has said in other interviews about this, Paul is playing down the degree of suspicion and nascent anger that Fela Kuti had before they got together. On a separate note, great to the see the 'The Beatles' drum skin - might be one of the bona fide 6 or 7 that Ringo used over the course of The Beatles' live career.

[@Allan-et5ig]

Exactly.

[@emerpus01]

@@Allan-et5ig I love that he’s got it hanging there, like any musician would display a momento of their band… except his band was The biggest ever.

[@adeamujale]

Easily the best musician ever to have mounted the saxophone.

[@JustK009]

Paul is that dude

[@sofraYT]

It’s not like he’s not heard it or played it himself for 40 years. Probably he’s been playing it a lot during those years

[@marcusdavidson5776]

I want an Afrobeat from Pauly

[@adol7577]

The sound/reef is "Kongini konko, Kongini Jeje"

[@sherpa4204]

So do someone got the name of the song Paul was trying to find???

[@dami5072]

This man clearly was changed from the Fela black experience

[@yungbabycrew]

Teacher dont teach me nonsense

[@rapafellaurbanpoetry887]

The greatest Beatles...

[@networkinginstitute]

Paul real musician

[@banjomcgee6333]

Paul is amazing for this story! But part of me finds it hilarious that Fela basically pulled up on him lol

[@murcusmphashi2272]

🤣🤣

[@xavierjames9270]

Literally

[@deanl0]

Yeah this is nice and who else was behind that... Ginger Baker who was already playing with Fela Kuti.

[@Allan-et5ig]

Precisely. It's interesting that when McCartney was in Nigeria Ginger Baker was only too happy to shake gravel in canisters to add syncopation to Band On The Run. But then decades later, he goes on at length about McCartney not reading music and being reliant on George Martin for any success. I enjoyed Ginger's drumming and cream I'll leave it at that. So my guess is that Baker was simply jealous of a bigger star then he coming to Nigeria and potentially making a bigger splash...sad but all too human..

[@ericam1297]

But what's the song playing in the background...? 00:54

[@inwanon]

Water get no enemy

[@TamaraChauArt]

That reminded me of the song American woman, hmmm I wonder if this is where they got it from

[@Allan-et5ig]

I think American Woman release in 70' came out two years earlier. ..

[@tonyrobbins2558]

Fela is a genius

[@djjd-topic9236]

Yeah Fela never played music live that he had recorded in a studio.

[@musahayuba96]

Any know the song?

[@pentangle78]

It’s written at the end of the video as subtitles

[@Allan-et5ig]

this is really entertaining. really cool. a book paul granted interviews for (man on the run) however, tells a different story and PM is famed for his confessed, spotty memory. he was robbed at knifepoint the day before and the following day, during recording sessions, collapsed from what was either a known condition of shock that affects some heavy smokers, OR pot paranoia... regardless; he was taken to hospital. obviously, he recovered. so his 'weeping' that night at the shrine, fela's club (where the book says he was REALLY loaded) was induced by more than great music.

[@ewest14]

He wasn't lying here. He just didn't get into all the details.

[@Allan-et5ig]

@@ewest14 One could go forever about selective memory. Let's chose not to.

[@ewest14]

@@Allan-et5ig Paul didn't need to mention any of that though. The story was about Fela and he just said that he was playing great music and it made him cry. He didn't need to explain any more of the story.

[@allancerf9038]

@@ewest14 You're just some bum on youtube, you don't get to tell you Mommy what to do, much less Paul McCartney.

[@ewest14]

@@allancerf9038 LOL I'm not the one telling Paul what to do, you are. You're saying he was lying when he wasn't and that he should have told more of the story when he didn't have to. You're a bit confused.

[@mayowaolabanji8173]

That song is Why Black Man Dey Suffer.

[@mayowaolabanji8173]

Kogini Koko kogini jenje

[@bigsexygoat8]

Funny how he says he was the only white people there and than there was ginger baker with fela

[@AlexanderSchmidt1962]

The riff Paul McCartney plays (2:20) sounds to me more like African Woman check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4vLgoCNjqppb6c

[@OluwashinaAladejubelo]

I think it was Black man dey suffers kzbin.info/www/bejne/pavci3iAns6abrc

[@jeffkaufman9875]

Macca loves Flea’s fretless bass thwackin’!..

[@KenLongTortoise]

you mean like Tony Allen developing ideas he heard from Max Roach to inform the afrobeat? no one owns the music, no one own the language...its just what you do with it and what you say with it

[@ibrahimbababasharu6846]

Worst part here is I can’t get a chance to hear that song ever !

[@Chanelson2010]

Macca the king

[@aminealioualla]

That’s the song “ why black men die suffer”

[@ggkk6474]

I don't think the great Sir Paul needs to steal someone's music!........

[@abstraqtphilosophy7357]

Of course, he is great and may not need to steal from any one but he did recognize he was in the presence of a God in human flesh called Fela Kuti.

[@krisantoine]

yes he does: Chuck Berry's :(.

[@ledzepandhabs]

@@krisantoine In those days everyone heard the sounds they liked and incorporated it into their own versions, Chuck Berry did it to, thank god the lawyers were not involved because hundreds of thousands of great songs were able to be created from the practice.

[@krisantoine]

@@ledzepandhabs No, you are wrong! The Beatles very specifically stole Berry's music, and he sued them and won, resulting in the beatles not pressing their first two albums anymore!

[@ledzepandhabs]

@@krisantoine No I am not wrong, I just said everybody stole music throughout the history of the world. So what, who cares, you think Chuck never heard something and incorporated it into his own?

[@octaviussludberry9016]

Did he just try to do a black voice?

[@geosembarcadero9340]

According to Geoff Emerick,what Paul is saying about Fela it is a falsehood. Kuti diden´t invite Paul,Linda,Denny end Geoff to the club called The Shrine,they got there by themselves. Emerick wrote:" During the break,some of the misicians came over to say hello.We assumed it was going to be the usual kind of camaraderie that goes on at live gigs everywhere-- swapping road stories,talkin music,telling jokes--but it was anything but,To our surprise,our visitors were angry and hostile." "What are you doing in our country?" they demanded."You´ve come here to steal our music and our rhythms. Why don´t you just go back home?" "I could see Paul getting alarmed; this was not the reception he hed been expecting.Somehow he managed to talk his way out of it and got the musicians calmed down enough to leave us alone...at which point we made a hasty departure."

[@Allan-et5ig]

Dude, Eye witness memories are so bad that they're not allowed in some court cases by some judges...who knows if Geoff Emerick was correct or McCartney was correct... My take on the same interview that you read is that yes, you're correct all those things happened but all's well that ends well... Ransom's music was nothing like Jet, and McCartney enjoyed ultimately, the music he heard.

[@gregoryfilms9405]

No, this was before the night Macca is discussing.

[@NoriEye]

I see how "American Woman" could have been inspired by this. in some.way..

[@christinagraham2915]

But you did with the Beatles. 🤣🤭🤫🤐

[@TheEdenflux]

Why blackman suffers with different words

[@hansonagbomedarho]

Give me real gist, this na oyibo nonesence talk. Steve wonder and others like am Roy Ayers don role with Fela. No body appreciate. Nonesence oyibo talk for publicity

[@MrJNiemzyk]

"I'm not here to steal your music." *steals music*

[@p0llenp0ny]

Umm there is nothing remotely African sounding on the album Paul recorded in Lagos. Sorry. Try again.

[@ClaudioDirani]

What does stealing music mean? In my opinion it's shoplifting.

[@ladymiss9466]

😂 Yes!!!

[@itsjemmabond]

@@ClaudioDirani It means cultural appropriation

[@ClaudioDirani]

@@itsjemmabond there isn't such. That only lies beneath the muddy and demented layers of the sick minded

[@TILOAKINFELEYE]

Looks like Trump