At the end of the year, among the reissues of records by Nigerian saxophonist and singer Fela Kuti, a vinyl box set is appearing containing seven albums. The artist, who died in 1997, invented Afrobeat: a style born from the fusion of Nigerian music with in particular blues and jazz.
At the time of his disappearance, Fela left a titanic discography. This explains why reissues have multiplied in recent years with improved sound, thanks to modern technologies. The box set which appears this Friday, December 10, contains some nuggets like the album Kalakuta Show, released in the mid-1970s.
It is one of Fela’s sons, Femi Kuti, who is behind the just released vinyl box set. He was assisted in this by Chris Martin, frontman of the British rock group Coldplay. Because the style invented by Fela resonates today all over the world and many musicians have captured the Afrobeat.
The year that ends also marks the fiftieth anniversary of two of Fela Kuti’s most beloved albums: London Scene and Live! With Ginger Baker. The first was released a little over a month ago, but it will be necessary to wait until February 25 to find the second where we hear again the concert given by Fela alongside the legendary English drummer Ginger Baker in 1971.
► Fela Boxset 5, curated by Chris Martin & Femi Kuti