Fela’s music, and that of his organization inspired musicians across the
global village when Afro-Beat was new and novel. This compilation
focuses on the music Fela inspired – whether by fellow Nigerians recording
alongside him in the early 70s, neighbors in Ghana, then-modern
Colombian cumbia ensembles inspired by the man who injected a new feel
into the Yoruban rhythms that formed cumbia’s base, Trinidadian steel
bands or the select few organizations left that have maintained Fela’s fury
in the new millennium. This is but a cursory investigation into those
inspired by Fela Kuti’s genius, but it is unique: the first time that many of
these tracks are not only offered a second chance for worthy introspection,
but, in the case of many, the first time they’re being issued full stop.