Elly Roberts reviews
Various Artists: Essential Afrobeat (3 CD set)
Distributed by
Family Recordings
- Cat.no: 9824254
- Released: October 2004
- Rating: 6/10
Want to impress your friends with something really different? Check out Essential Afrobeat.
Currently enjoying a revival on the club scene, particularly in London,
Afrobeat began in the 70’s.
Attributed to Fela Anikulapo - Kuti’s Africa 70 band (later Egypt 80), it
gives a heavy nod in the James Brown direction as he pursued his funky
workouts. Although Kuti died in 1997 at the age of 57, his legacy lives on –
as does his influences.
It drew on American Funk and Jazz, and threw it back in another form. Born in
the Egba branch of the Yoruba tribe in Abeokuta Nigeria in 1938, he went on to
study trumpet and music theory at Trinity College of Music London for five
years. In 1969 he spent some time in Los Angeles, eventually returning to
Lagos with his new invention – Afrobeat.
A flamboyant and ferocious style, the genre is extremely energetic – bubbling
baselines, strong brass blasts, and indigenous drum beats, it’s a real musical
feast of a beast. Most of this you’ll be hearing for the first time, like me.
There’s the odd exception – like the frisky cover of Bob Marley’s Get Up
Stand Up, featuring some impressive bass, guitar and strings.
James Brown, Fatboy Slim, Herbie Hancock, and Hugh Masekela all throw their
weight behind this enormous tracklisting – 41 in the mix without breaks – seven
of which are by Kuti himself. (Check the Amazon link above for the full track
listing)
Foot-stomping from the start it will eventually get to you, but be warned – if
you’re planning to dance to it, this is guaranteed to push you to the limit –
so get some refreshment before you take off!
Disc 3, Afro Chill Mix will do want it says on the tin – mellow moments to
follow, but in Afrobeat tradition - it’s not too chilled.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
