I went back and checked my notes for the last Fela Kuti album, because my first thoughts were that this one felt more African than the last, but from what I wrote, perhaps not.
Musically it’s the same kind of thing – some great infectious African rhythms pounding through the background, over which Kuti plays jazz horn vibes. Having come this far through many jazz albums and jazz-fusion albums, it’s interesting that one of the elements of jazz is usually that the rhythm section follows the tune, rather than dictate the beat (which is more of a “rock” characteristic). Here, however, with the Afro-jazz fusion, the drums are the core of the track. This gives the album a very danceable feel.
Side One has the stronger Afro-beat element, on the two tracks Zombie and Mr Follow Follow. These attack the fascistic tendencies to just follow orders, and were specifically aimed at the Nigerian government at the time. Although, in the scale of things, the lyrics are not that direct and confrontational, they still enraged the Nigerian government enough to break up Kuti’s commune, beat him near to death, and kill his mother by defenestration. All over a song. Hint to governments: If you feel that you have to commit violence against your citizens because of a piece of music, you’re the bad guys. [Edit: Well, this has become more poignant since the time I wrote it...]
Side Two is slightly smoother jazz, but somewhat continues the anti-fascist sentiment, including Observation Is No Crime [Edit: so has this].
It’s good music, but I Iiked Side One better. I think in part because of the passion behind the lyrics, this is a better album than the Kuti’s collaboration with Ginger Baker.
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