Anyone else ever heard this guy? I'm listening to a two disc best of I have and it's freakin' amazing. He was a huge political force in Africa. He even declared his large home complex an independent country.

It's got a world music flavor, but it has big band Funk/Jazz written all over. The songs are long and very jam like with a strong groove. Here is the Wikipedia entry as well as his home page. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fela_Kuti

http://www.felaproject.net/

Fela floored me when I first heard his music. A 20th century take on deep african grooves & call and response chanting (an Afro Beat pioneer). Plus, he's fighting da man while shaking down the house!

As cool as Fela's music is, it was created in the midst of nasty times. Lots of down pressure. I believe that Fela was a tad unhinged by all the sex, drugs and violence. AIDS got him in the end.

I would recommend anything of his that features his 'Africa 70' band. The 'Africa 80' stuff may be easier to find, but 'Africa 70' is the Fela rosetta stone.

Look out for:

Upside Down
Zombie
Expensive Shit

Fela was the African Bob Marley, except he just hasn't gotten the publicity that Marley received.

You can't go wrong with so much of his recordings. How can you not like someone who releases a recording called "Expensive Shit"? The story behind how the title comes about, is classic!

You can get it with He Miss Road, as a combined reissue.


However, I would first getting the combination reissue of Gentleman & Confusion.

I've been listening to Fela for about 5 years. What I want to know is when is the movie coming out? His story should be on the big screen. I know most people don't know who he is, but damn what a story. It would make a really excellent movie.

Who do you think could play the part of Fela?

My vote's for Don Cheadle.

i've only known fela through flea's recommendations in interviews and some RHCP covers, i should really look into his stuff more though.

If your looking for an overview I really, really like this set.

The Best Best of Fela Kuti [Universal]

yes, a friend of mine listens to him alot. awesome to listen to while playing video-games

Totally.

If anyone got into Fela, I just found another group that rocks the beat.

Antibalas. They are on the Ropeadope label. Check out their effort,"Who Is This America." And keeping in the tradition, some good political shit.