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Zombie is the 27th full-length album by afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. The album criticised the Nigerian government; and it is thought to have resulted in the murder of Kuti's mother and the destruction of his commune by the military. The album was a scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. The album was a smash hit with the people and infuriated the government, setting off a vicious attack against the Kalakuta Republic (a commune that Fela had established in Nigeria), during which one thousand soldiers attacked the commune. Kuti was Read Full BioZombie is the 27th full-length album by afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. The album criticised the Nigerian government; and it is thought to have resulted in the murder of Kuti's mother and the destruction of his commune by the military.

The album was a scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. The album was a smash hit with the people and infuriated the government, setting off a vicious attack against the Kalakuta Republic (a commune that Fela had established in Nigeria), during which one thousand soldiers attacked the commune. Kuti was severely beaten, and his elderly mother was thrown from a window, causing fatal injuries. Soon after Kuti's mother had been injured, the commanding officer defecated on the elderly woman's face. The Kalakuta Republic was burned, and Kuti's studio, instruments, and master tapes were destroyed. Kuti claimed that he would have been killed if it were not for the intervention of a commanding officer as he was being beaten. Kuti's response to the attack was to deliver his mother's coffin to the main army barrack in Lagos and write two songs, "Coffin for Head of State" and "Unknown Soldier", referencing the official inquiry that claimed the commune had been destroyed by an unknown soldier.
Kuti and his band then took residence in Crossroads Hotel as the Shrine had been destroyed along with his commune. In 1978 Kuti married 27 women, many of whom were his dancers, composers, and singers to mark the anniversary of the attack on the Kalakuta Republic. Later, he was to adopt a rotation system of keeping only twelve simultaneous wives. The year was also marked by two notorious concerts, the first in Accra in which riots broke out during the song "Zombie," which led to Kuti being banned from entering Ghana. The second was at the Berlin Jazz Festival after which most of Kuti's musicians deserted him, due to rumors that Kuti was planning to use the entirety of the proceeds to fund his presidential campaign.

Tracks 3 & 4 (Previously Unreleased): Live At The Berlin Jazz Festival - 1978

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01Zombie12:24 Fela Kuti

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02Mr. Follow Follow5:52 Fela Kuti

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03Observation Is No Crime13:26 Fela Kuti

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04Mistake (Live At the Berlin Jazz Festival - 1978)14:46 Fela Kuti

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Zombie
Fela Kuti Lyrics

Zombie o, zombie (zombie o, zombie)
Zombie o, zombie (zombie o, zombie)

Zombie no go go, unless you tell 'em to go (zombie)
Zombie no go stop, unless you tell 'em to stop (zombie)
Zombie no go turn, unless you tell 'em to turn (zombie)
Zombie no go think, unless you tell 'em to think (zombie)

Zombie o, zombie (zombie o, zombie)
Zombie o, zombie (zombie o, zombie)

Zombie no go go, unless you tell 'em to go (zombie)
Zombie no go stop, unless you tell 'em to stop (zombie)
Zombie no go turn, unless you tell 'em to turn (zombie)
Zombie no go think, unless you tell 'em to think (zombie)

Zombie o, zombie (zombie o, zombie)
Zombie o, zombie (zombie o, zombie)

Tell them to go straight
A joro, jara, joro
No break, no job, no sense
A joro, jara, joro
Tell 'em to go kill
A joro, jara, joro
No break, no job, no sense
A joro, jara, joro
Tell them to go quench
A joro, jara, joro
No break, no job, no sense
A joro, jara, joro

Go and kill (joro, jaro, joro)
Go and die (joro, jaro, joro)
Go and quench (joro, jaro, joro)
Put 'em for reverse (joro, jaro, joro)
Go and quench (joro, jaro, joro)
Go and kill (joro, jaro, joro)
Go and die (joro, jaro, joro)
Put 'em for reverse (joro, jaro, joro)
Go and die (joro, jaro, joro)
Go and quench (joro, jaro, joro)
Go and kill (joro, jaro, joro)
Put 'em for reverse (joro, jaro, joro)

Uh-huh
Joro, jara, joro
Zombie wey na one way
Joro, jara, joro
Zombie wey na one way
Joro, jara, joro
Zombie wey na one way
Joro, jara, joro

Attention (zombie), quick march
Slow march (zombie), left turn
Right turn (zombie), about turn
Double up (zombie), salute
Open your hat (zombie), stand at ease
Fall in (zombie), fall out
Fall down (zombie), get ready
Attention (zombie), quick march
Slow march (zombie), left turn
Right turn (zombie), about turn
Double up (zombie), salute
Open your hat (zombie), stand at ease
Fall in (zombie), fall out

Halt (zombie)
Order

Whoa
Attention (zombie), quick march
Slow march (zombie), left turn
Right turn (zombie), about turn
Double up (zombie), salute
Open your hat (zombie), stand at ease
Fall in (zombie), fall out
Fall down (zombie), get ready
Attention (zombie), quick march
Slow march (zombie), left turn
Right turn (zombie), about turn
Double up (zombie), salute
Open your hat (zombie), stand at ease
Fall in (zombie), fall out
Fall down (zombie), get ready

Halt
Order
One more time, everybody

Attention (zombie), quick march
Slow march (zombie), left turn
Right turn (zombie), about turn
Double up (zombie), salute
Open your hat (zombie), stand at ease
Fall in (zombie), fall out
Fall down (zombie), get ready
Attention (zombie), quick march
Slow march (zombie), left turn
Right turn (zombie), about turn
Double up (zombie), salute
Open your hat (zombie), stand at ease
Fall in (zombie), fall out
Fall down (zombie), get ready

Halt
Order
Dismiss

Zombie, zombie
Zombie, zombie
Zombie, zombie
Zombie, zombie
Zombie, zombie
Zombie, zombie
Zombie, zombie
Zombie, zombie
Zombie, zombie

Lyrics © F.K.O. Music, BMG Rights Management, EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE, BMG VM MUSIC FRANCE
Written by: Kuti Fela Anikulapo

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

ummeiguess

35w↑1

@Audio Pervert

the homophobia is something MANY ppl around the world have been taught

also Fela loved after the long history of "buck breaking" that was done to African men across the globe - obviously that's not the whole of The Gay Community - but it is what has been taught in words, in religious lies (things the Bible never said, but is still being blamed for) - but also in action

I don't condone hate on any level - but I do understand how it can form if ppl are treated violently - and don't really have any other examples to balance that out

I will say, from what I know, the women in his camp were there willingly - many cultures have polygamous marriages - so that's not something to look down on - it's just different from your understanding

in this case, he was rebelling against hard fundamentalist Christianity that had infiltrated his country - and like many race based, religious based, greed based occupations, he was taking back his cultural religion in a hard nosed way - he was Yoruba - and by tradition, he could have as many wives as would have him
- and yes he was flawed enough to have died of AIDS - like lots of ppl at that time - AIDS was at an ALL TIME high - and more deadly than this current pandemic

but that doesn't mean his music and his movement to overcome the specific govt oppression this songs talk about were irrelevant

many a "great" man did things that weren't great

MLK used to cheat on his wife - Kennedy had an all but open affair with Marilyn Monroe among others - Gandhi was racist - Every European "founding father" in the USA owned African Slaves, and/or were involved or complicit in Indigenous genocide - even Mother Theresa...(look it up)

let's just say many ppl that have done "great" things have also not been pristine in their deeds

it sounds like you don't grasp the full context and history of why this man was who he was, and why

All comments from YouTube:

Fela Kuti

6y↑998

Hello everyone, and thank you all for watching Fela's Zombie on the "Official Fela Youtube Channel". We seen the amount of love this song gets around the world, so from us "Thank you very much :D".We would love you to continue the Fela Express on this channel by subscribing here ► https://goo.gl/8Q1pVw Take care and everyone say "Yeah Yeah" (y)

Cornell Allen

29w

Unnecessary Begging is one bad song. You show that saxophone no mercy

lloyd kiprono

31w

lloyd kiprono

31w

65 More Replies...

Bolaji ADEBIYI

2y↑427

I was privileged to watch Fela perform this live. Fela was the most courageous Nigerian that ever lived.

Christian Banks

Fall in, fall out, fall down, get ready 2022 💚 🙌🏿💯🇬🇧🇳🇬

med de la vegaz

13w

Amen

nun tet

20w

His mother was pretty courageous too. She was a feminine activist, killed for standing up for woman's rights in Nigeria. Fela Kuti comes from a powerful line of beautiful soul.

Chibueze Princewillchukwudi

32w↑1

Yes o most courageous man ever liveth in West Africa. And the most fearless black Activist on earth. A Man with consciousness and hearth of Gold.

Ebalu Jerry

41w

Followed by Omoyele Sowore

15 More Replies...

Apostle Tone

6y↑703

This music was the making of Fela; not least for the brutal reaction of the Nigerian Army to his critique of their behaviour. I remember listening to the music as a 12 year old and saying to myself 'Oh, Fela will get into trouble for this.' And he sure did, But nobody imagined a 1000 soldiers matching on Kalakuta, manhandling his mother leading to her death, and destroying all copies of his original work to date ... Army Arrangement, Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense, Original Sufferhead and Beast of No Nation in the 80s are testimonies to Fela's irrepressive sense of fairness and justice for all of his countrymen. No hyperbole, Yoruba myself, Fela is my favourite Yoruba man and African. The Lord bless you for daring to speak truth to power. Rest in Peace - Anikulapo

BabaStiletto

37w

...Mariam Makeba was something else, @DemGirlsWicked. I remember sitting through her FESTAC77 performancein Lagos, a spellbound kid utterly riveted and mesmerised as she did her thing on stage. She was a truly remarkable performer, easily a cut above the rest. Oh, it showed, and I suspect she knew she oozed star quality. We in Nigeria had a real special relationship with oppressed South Africans back then in those dark apartheid days (being a 'frontline state') - IIRC, our very own shiny, new, gee-whizz National Theatre in Lagos was opened by Ipi Tombi, the SA dance troupe, a few months before FESTAC77 (possibly October 1976). Tickets were a whopping ₦1.50 (stall seats). What a show. And how proud were we Nigerians of the NT? I still remember seeing epic Nigerian stage productions at the NT, including my favourite, "Langbodo".

Halycyon days from a long-forgotten era when we were young, carefree and absolutely 100% positive about Nigeria. <sigh>

DemGirlsWicked

39w

@Lazy I Ranch Thank you,, I swear i have heard Miriam and i could tell she's South African but i never listened to her music,, Thanks for the link,, Your mama did a good one.. one love...

Nnamdi George

40w

@Ayo Paul You cannot take your 12yrs old experience for everyone. I was knowledgeable to know what was happening at 12yrs.

Boss Man

44w↑1

@Fela Kuti my grandparents are Nigerian, I was raised in Britain....the view we get of Nigerians is not as powerful as the voice of this man Fela Kuti... Where are the real deal.Nigerians like Fela Kuti, please stand up....

Henry Shockem

45w

True True True. It takes a helluva lot of courage to speak out that way living in a supressed society. Knowing your in gonna be in trouble deep! Can u imagine going to jail over there? Bye-bye civil rights. Man, what a Horror show.

22 More Replies...

Todd Kray

2y↑167

R.I.P Tony Allen, truly one of the most original drummers of all time

Alessio Basciani

1y↑2

Greatest of all time. GOAT.

Peter Onu

1y↑1

wow i remember the first time i visited fela shrine

ayo30s

2y↑4

No Doubt, R.I.P 👍🏾👊🏾✌🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

Ash KG

2y↑6

Fuck, I was just about to comment praising the drums

Stuart Allan

2y↑6

Such a solid and funky drumbeat , we've just lost a true maestro rip Tony .

Ezzy Pizzy

4y↑598

You gotta have had balls the size of a blue whale to speak of the military this way at the time he did. Much respect for this man.

Audio Pervert

50w

Given that Fela Kuti was deeply inspired by James Brown's success as a black man in America, yet few speak about the hate and prejudice that he harboured against homosexuality and certain white folks. Pathetic euro-centric institutions appointed Fela Kuti as an "ambassador of human rights". Kuti, a classic megalomaniac towards the end of his life, the erstwhile 'afro-cult' struck down by AIDS, he started calling his music “African classical music” – and is quoted in a new film saying "you wouldn’t expect composers like Mozart or Beethoven to write three-minute numbers, so why should I?" What's worse certain popular liberal musicians (Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel etc) remained 'mute' about Fela having multiple wives and spurting hatred for LGBTQ folks.

kiwidubz

2y↑9

Like David Icke said, when you open your heart, you have no fear ...and when you have no fear, you're not afraid to speak the truth

6 More Replies...

Yuri VS

4y↑387

It pains me to realize how much more people should be opening their ears and minds to the Afrobeat King.

As long as i breathe, Brazil will continue to listen to him loud.
Long live Fela's ideals of a peaceful and musical land. Long live Kalakuta.

CRWS

@Yuri VS I must've hit a nerve. I suspect that is why you resorted to name calling & cursing.
To answer you're question, no.

CRWS

@Yuri VS I asked questions. If you think I'm judging learn the difference between questions and statements.

CRWS

1y↑1

@Yuri VS so the answer to my question is no.
Got it.
Call it what it is.

CRWS

1y↑1

ok but are you doing anything to counter racism in Brazil or just having a good time playing black music?

7 More Replies...

surfbouy

3y↑48

I've made it one of my missions in life to introduce people to Fela's music.

Lucy Arqué

5y↑122

This guy's music is like nothing else I've ever heard. It's like it's from a higher plane

Tai Viinikka

2y↑1

You're right -- this is what it's like to listen to the birth of a new and brilliant kind of music.

andy Zipele

3y↑10

When I listen to this song I weep for my country called Nigeria.

Kaci McDaniel

1y↑27

I'm not Nigerian but I was married to an Ibo and he introduced me to High Life and Fela has always been my most favorite of all the greats. Until this day after the separation of my marriage, I still listen to his great musical talent. To me he is the King of High life 👑 RIP Fela Anikupta Kuti 👑💖

Jay

Kedu. 👍🏾

Ugo

2y↑22

I'm in my 30s and remember my parents always listening to this song. Still gives me chills till this day. Brought back memories hearing it on Black lightning.

Nana Serwaah

14w

🤔

Shuaib Sumon

22w

🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿 same here 👌🏿

G K

13w↑24

This one goes out to my people in Ukraine fighting off Putin and his zombies!

Jungle Ninja

Ukraining 0eople are no stranger to war

Jungle Ninja

Water get no enemy remember that

John Flushing

13w↑3

It gives me chills when at 5+ minutes in he starts to sing ZOMBIE!!!

Tom Cruz

5y↑346

One of the best middle finger songs of all time imo

Sbusiso Mulambo

True

Tom Cruz

3y↑2

@Remi Bobby with that tool!

Remi

3y↑3

Tom Cruz I think that I’m Tom cruise

joseph okolo

4y↑6

My best in fela

Tom Cruz

4y↑46

Jack Johnson sadly you're right but his legacy and fighting spirit still lives on through his music.

1 More Replies...

Seriously4ked

3y↑27

12 minutes of pure musical genius and a fat middle finger to the military dictatorship in Nigeria rolled into one truly magnificent masterpiece of a composition

Geroge .J Bradley

3y↑64

Am an American last time I visited Nigeria in 2001 visiting Fela shrine was the main reason, I got negative comments about traveling to Nigeria but i had fun and not all bad comments are true about Nigerians. Nigeria problems are the bad governments that was the weapon Fela used at them and his music lives on.

OMO ODUDUWA NI MI

20w

exactly but it was so painful we lost our hero star I pray may his soul rest in peaceful and perfectly

sovietchampagne

46w↑4

yep... I am Canadian and I have learned that the area we now call Nigeria has been the cradle of some incredible cultures and civilizations for a long, long time. I hope the absolute best for the future of Nigeria and its surrounding countries, because they have A LOT to show and teach to the rest of us.

Chinedu Atisele

Love this!

Just HUMAN!!

2y↑1

True

Shane Mccoy

2y↑12

I just can’t believe how expertly crafted this song is . Fucking AMAZING I could only ever hope and pray to be anywhere near a musician of his caliber

Rise of The Divine Feminine

3y↑23

Fela Kuti was a revolutionary and used his talent and art to actually make an impact. So fucking important. He was a King! "Music is a spiritual thing. Don't mess play with music" -Fela Kuti.

John Ohiokhuaobo Aigbokhaode

5y↑39

Fela was prophetic in his lyrics talking about the problems of Nigeria caused by bad leadership. The problems are still with us till this day.

James Young

5y↑129

Fela Kuti, the godfather of Afrobeat

Manuk, Psiconauta del Inconsciente

6y↑93

A character truly larger than life. An icon, a genius, a visionary. R.I.P. Black President!

scott reynolds

4y↑30

there ain't one wrong step with this song, the soul the intent the artistry. It's a powerhouse of humanity

Pat Foley

2y↑9

Nigeria needs this same attitude now so they can get their country back. I’m a white dude from Mississippi and digging this music and the scream for freedom

Lake View

2y↑15

No one else on planet earth ever dropped an album that brought out a nation's military, except the almighty Fela.. Let that sink in.

mpendulo mkhonto

1y↑7

This song talks so much about the sars situation in Nigeria ,I stand in solidarity with Nigerian people from South Africa

Charles Kodua

4y↑46

One of the greatest Musician ever lived. And had the pleasure of seeing Him live.
Long Live Afro Beat.

Olukayode Nathan

2y↑5

Fela played this song at Empire Hotel Shrine, just beside an army barrack, called Abalti barracks, Yaba, Lagos. It was not unusual to see soldiers dance to this tune like they danced to all other Fela tunes. Many soldiers including senior officers loved Fela. But things got out of control when the top army officers who never liked Fela were at the helm of affairs. Fela opted out of FESTAC 77 committee and his Africa shrine ran a parallel FESTAC. This annoyed some military officers who were running the government then. They used just that opportunity to come against Fela, burnt his house down. Did that get Fela down? Thereafter he composed Coffin for Head of state, relating how he led a protest to Dodan barracks where he led people carrying mock coffin of her dead mother to the seat of the military government. Of course again, he was beaten and battered.

Alberto Cano Navarro

2y↑59

Rest in peace Tony Allen, a legend forever.

Mtd George

2y↑4

Fela and Tony Allen were both Yorubas from Yoruba NATION in the present day country called Nigeria

Chika Rayleigh

3y↑33

This song is dedicated to all Nigerian soldiers from General to recruit.

Charles White

🤣, 🐐 comment walahi .

Usman Idris

Really?

Just HUMAN!!

2y↑1

😂😂😂😂 wicked ❤️❤️😂

godisgood chosen

2y↑1

Hahahaha u are wicked

PORTALEJ

desde un rincón de mi caribe colombiano costa caribe estas canciones las escuchábamos en los pickup de nuestras ciudades con sentimiento y alegría a nuestros ancestros africanos años que no volverán hermosos años 70 de nuestra niñez

samuel endeley

5y↑35

this instrumental is fucking good been on it since sunlight

Olusola Olanrewaju

2y↑24

The Fulanis thought they could bury him. They thought they killed him. They jailed, destroy him but the fools didn’t know he is a seed. Once they buried the seed the glory is greater than when he was alive.

G-PRINCE

@Iyiola Abosede obasanjo is a yoruba man being used as a puppet for the fulanis.

Iyiola Abosede

So obasonjo is fulani? Hm

Olusola Olanrewaju

48w↑1

He has always work against the Yorubas and work for the interest of the Fulanis.

Mulondo Kalemera

48w↑1

The Fulanis? Such as Olusegun Obasanjo? Ah?

David Hugh

1y↑1

Fela once said “I know they’ll come for me when I’m dead “

Weston

2y↑76

I'd love to see the current protesters start yelling "Zombie" at the police while they're marching. The sentiment might be decades old, but it's still as relevant today as when Fela Kuti first sung the lyrics.

Best Chairman

4y↑23

Fela the great prophet. No Nigerian musician will ever be like you, no one!
Respect, RIPP!

Um Bongo

5y↑266

If you dislike this song, you're a broken human

Otusajo Adesola

35w

Nah zombie go thump down

The Black fortress Le baobab

2y↑1

Um Bongo EXACTLY!.

Grum Pee

2y↑3

Um Bongo unforgivably, those thumbs downed are✊hugs to those misguided zombies.

1 1 1

3y↑1

@Victor Wade dry

1 1 1

I swear!!!

1 More Replies...

neo moagi

6y↑67

This is what we call music! It reminds me of my dad.

Martins Adegbite

If your dad was a officer, Fela is not hailing them he is insulting and dissing them ni

MichaelKB8-24

6y↑7

My condolences to your father sir. He clearly must have had a great taste in music :)

Baldo Quezada Martich

13w↑2

Lo mejor que he escuchado en muchos años. Encontré oro cuando escuché esta canción. Excelente, brutalmente hermosa.

Marco Gudino

48w↑4

Raised 3 warriors to Fela. Mad respect Nigeria for your funk. Indigenous in California.

Shane Mccoy

2y↑20

This music is so invigorating , colorful, hypnotnic , masterfully played and organized , there are also moments in a lot of these songs that are pure comedy ! ( for ex. In this song when fela mockingly shouts “ DIIISMISSED !! in a high pitch voice ) ... I just discovered this , water no get enemy, lady, No sleep yanga wake AM, and Couple other songs by Mr. Kuti a week or so ago and I am absolutely obsessed . Why did it take me so long to learn of this Brilliant Revolutionary Man ?!?

Xazzy Bwoii

48w↑1

There was one when he insulted religious leaders taking advantage of their members..that was my favourite 🤗

Jesus Eniyan

5y↑112

Those horns though, brilliant , captivating and intense all wrapped in one amazing track, iam still listening in 2050,

Rob Field

4y↑7

That first bridge, when they respond to Kuti's lead riffs with machine gun stacatto, is a brilliant piece of composition.

Nathan Seper

3y↑17

Man, Fela Kuti has got to be one of the most badass people ever. He wrote music in defiance of Nigeria's corrupt military strongman!

ani junior

2y↑2

Then was when military was the ruler of the day the man got some gots

Obafemi Harrison

Nathan Seper StrongMEN, actually.

エミ

4y↑18

They play this at my job and I’m happy I found this masterpiece bc of it

VotanLoad

2y↑4

Hello guys, thank you for sharing some greatest Afro Juju music. I am of an European background and always looking for inspiring cultures and music to learn about them.

OMO ODUDUWA NI MI

20w

it so nice

Otis West Fitness

1y↑3

Brave corageous souls like Fela who stand up for truth and rights will never die. Their memory will always live on

Comfort S

2y↑3

As a young girl growing up in moshalashi, Lagos. I grew up listening to his songs daily, instrumentals surpassing basic mindset opening doors to the problems of Nigeria. I am currently 16 moved out of Nigeria and reminisce how we took for granted such tunes and will play this for my generations to come and remind them of BABA 70 and his legacy.

Kikiope Oluwarore

2y↑121

With the current "Soro Soke" protests going on in Nigeria, this song couldn't be more relevant... And I feel renewed by the song.

Fred 🦁

1y↑1

You are very beautiful

Blanca Nieto

1y↑2

Every where ? Music is the Truth

Francis Aweenagua

2y↑4

This song is more important now than ever

Francis Aweenagua

2y↑4

I totally agree with you

Mishack Nthane

2y↑2

Before I was introduced to his music I thought you can only derive happiness from accumulating Wealth, Fela thought me to value life

Johnny P

2y↑64

Quite telling that the army responded to Fela's criticism of their violent and nonsensical mindset by... being more violent and nonsensical. Brilliant

Mr. Free

43w↑2

Telling anyone they are wrong only reinforces their conviction this is how our mind-ego naturally works.

Estanislao

2y↑4

So privileged to be able to hear such inspiring art

Mojisola Wadsworth

3y↑9

Thanks to the Afrobeat historian (Chris May), the write up accompanying this song here sure sheds light on what happened. RIP Anikulapo. Baba '70. Me too say "yeah yeah!"

Suhe Bator

3y↑6

First time I heard this more then 10 years ago, but it still sounds briliant like first time. Still touches my soul.

akinola Oyelola

44w↑3

Beautiful mix of energy, anger, groove and artistry.... Fela is legend

carlos díaz

3y↑3

Que gran hallazgo he hecho hoy. Estoy leyendo lo que Wikipedia dice sobre este músico. Merece honores.

Alessio Basciani

2y↑4

One of the greatest album in the history of light music, " Remain in Light", by Talking Heads is strongly inspired by Fela. Expecially by Zombie. The rythm session and the chorus (voice in TH, winds in FK) are almost the same. But this is not a surprise. The only unique genre in the last 50 Years, about light music, is Afrobeat. Better, is Fela Kuti. Thank You Anikulapo.

Bulan Xnoire

2y↑6

This's a quality pieces of Art in music history 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Pendamic vibes in 2020 take me back to this,
I'm lockdown myself with Fela Kuti.

Aframaco

30w↑2

That aping of the military bugle at the end of this jam was ridiculously sublime as it was gloriously majestic!

Fela is KING 👑 👊🏾!

Stanimir Kalchev

4y↑22

This song was written as a protest on what was happening in Nigeria back then. Of course, you can imagine that Fela's actions, alongside with the song itself, didn't make the government quite happy.
All this ended up in the government attacking his family. His mother was thrown from her balcony which costed her life.
All that tragedy didn't stop Fela from performing this song.

ola dipo

1y↑2

Sharp, crisp horns and message. I've been listening to this song since I was about eight, now I'm 49. Great stuff.

pinojow

6y↑72

We'll never forget the ransacking of Kalakuta by zombies.

Diaka Salena Koroma

1y↑5

Here in 2021 and listening to this epic tune by our Legendary Fela! ✊🏾👑

Eugenio Bacchini

5y↑4

Great song, great music! I love Fela!

Joseph Seidle

2y↑8

First time I heard this song was in 1977...The radio station I worked at got this album and put it in the trash...Was the best day of my life...I had found the king of Africa...FELA🔥🔥🔥

Brian☯️

2y↑3

This man is so strange I've never came across someone with this much prophetic powers✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

inlazlowetrust

6y↑659

Fela knows full well that he's endangering his own life by writing these lyrics, but he just goes out of his way to stick his middle finger in front of the Nigerian soldiers and government anyway. If Fela isn't a badass I don't know what he is.

ummeiguess

35w↑1

ummeiguess

35w

BLACK President!!! don't back down for no Zombie

Frank Hamed

49w

Home of the brave

Audio Pervert

50w↑1

remiem6070

51w↑1

@inlazlowetrust Mother not grandmother!

18 More Replies...

shivers Vince Ajamu

24w↑3

His show was amazing in Cleveland, Ohio, Jimmy Ciff opened the concert, C-town Rocks!

shivers Vince Ajamu

13w

@Chilipotamus The concert was my introduction to Fela, I had been introduced to Cliff.

Chilipotamus

13w

Damn, Cliff opening for Fela would have been an immense show, jealous you got to be there!

Busaiku Saiku

3y↑6

Proof that music can bring down corrupt government around the world. Thank you Fela Kuti.

sublime credo mpondo

2y↑83

WHO' S STILL LISTENING IT IN 2020???
FELA THE BEST.....RIP

Juan Isaac Casbis

52w↑2

2021 from México!!!

Midna Urthqua

52w↑3

2021....sharing it...the whole world has gone corrupt!

Monte Manzana

6y↑266

fela was a special person.
we don't need Messiah's.
just more free people.

Praise the Lord Everyday

Jesus Is King

Kylie Michelle

3y↑11

Fela was a man, and just ONE. The point: one person can do a lot, and if we all come together, as free people, unite and work together, nothing can stop that unified and magnified power...the intent: push back in the face of oppression, etc. (his context); the negative inverse: tyranny of a mass...; the struggle: find the open, inclusive, middle ground where we're all cool, have enough, and are free to live, love, express, and "be".

Idowu Koleoso

3y↑6

At the point Fela says 'one more time everybody', you could feel it he was ready for whatever!

Manlio Martínez Barona

2y↑8

Powerful message,I had o idea, now I love this song and Fela Kuti even more.
Saludos desde México

Tony Beku

5y↑148

I remember when this tune first came out wow ! Oh so risky ! I was in secondary school the government of the day introduced two soldiers to every secondary school for discipline , their first day they were welcomed by this song 🤣🤣🤣

Turtle Sage

2y↑3

That is so badass!

Sweet magnolia

2y↑3

okay now that is iconic !

Mjenzi64

2y↑3

Wow!!

LOUIS OTIENO

3y↑10

You lucky bastard😆😂🤣😂😆😂

Ultramarine

3y↑456

I bet when the government was listening to this they had to try not to dance

Mad Madderson

44w↑1

This comment is baller!

Blanca Nieto

1y↑1

Shoot I would have with my donut in hand :) jaaaah

Keyser Soze

2y↑4

Ironic ain't it?

aghogho oboh

2y↑18

I had friends who were children to soldiers, saying their fathers danced to Fela with turned down volumes at the barracks in the 70s and 80s

Babatunde Ladunni

2y↑5

So Tony is dead ,whaooo may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, sure he's with Baba right there.

3 More Replies...

Angel Of Death

1y↑1

This song was well over way ahead of it’s time hands down!!!... MUCH RESPECTS TO MR. FELA KUTI WHY HE WAS A REAL REVOLUTIONARY!!! #RESPECTS 🙏🏾

ibro adan

2y↑7

can't get enough of this.

gfunkin2

2y↑54

Never thought this song would apply to the United States too, but here we are.

Midna Urthqua

52w↑3

And Europe!

Dkotes

1y↑2

always has

TheIanlincoln

1y↑8

Did you not hear Taps playing at the end? He is directly calling out the USA

David Hugh

1y↑18

This man literally called Margret thatcher, Ronald Reagan and other leaders in united nation animals in human skin on beast of no nation Lol 😂 this man had balls the size of the twin towers

Rob Jones

2y↑2

Fela was a man of unbelievable courage.

Despite the incredible violence of the Nigerian Army against him and his followers,
he continued to goad the authorities with his brilliant music.
Even when he was offered vast sums of money by other record companies, he turned
them down. He was a true visionary who never sold out to anybody.

Gecchi X

3y↑213

First time I heard Fela Kuti was on GTA 4. I've been hooked ever since

Denny Osifo

I listened to it when I loaded in my apartment that Kate gave me because romans apartment got burned down ever since then I listen to it and I love it.

René Konschak

same for me with so many other artists.. terry riley, soulwax, chk chk chk, lcd soundsystem, etc

Levi Isaac

@Nancy Wanda may God bless u, I agree this song is 🙌🏾🙌🏾

Weenie Hut Wednesday

2y↑5

@Sputnik-1 If I remember correctly, I believe it was on IF99 (International Funk 99), and hosted by Femi Kuti, the eldest son of Fela Kuti

Mj Neilu

2y↑2

was it on the radio?

5 More Replies...

Alvaro Martínez

5y↑75

Music is The Weapon!

kunta kinte

@Femi Ladi musik is the rod and we are Moses, leading our children to the fathers Land.

kunta kinte

@Femi Ladi bob Marley said it
HIT ME WITH MUSIK

Femi Ladi

Alvaro Martínez hmmmm

La Vaga

2y↑6

I LOVE YOU FELA! Wherever you are!! Shine on forefather <3

Ellie Gray

3y↑7

Now here's a story about the power of music. Try telling a mass of armed soldiers it's "just a song". Amazing song with an incredible tragic story attached.

Mark Horrocks

5y↑6

Brave genius - we could do with him being around right now.
Even Mr Ambience, Brian Eno, dances to this magnificent tune.
Tony Allen also deserving of a lot of credit for his magnificent shaping of Fela's Afrobeat (or African music, as Fela would have preferred) rhythms.

Maxwell Alexandre

2y↑2

Beyoncé usa essa música antes de dejavu no Coachella. So fui perceber pq ouvi num episódio de Black Lightning e fui pesquisar. 💜

ola dipo

1y↑3

Fela on the offensive. Taking no prisoners. He drew first blood, gut punching the festering system of tyranny. And the rest is history.

kemunto morang'a

1y↑3

im listening in 2021....this is beyond amazing

sham adonai

2y↑38

This man just destroyed the army with no weapon, i would have retired if i was a soldier back then😂

MSP soundtracks

4w↑1

The bass line is magical 🔥

Humberto Kehdy

4y↑1

Muito bom esse som!

Reefthebeef

2y↑8

So much feeling put into this song it makes me cry every time

Phillip Garjay INNIS

6y↑20

Great music......the groove is so intense!!!!!!!

Pete g

3y↑11

Saw Fema in Montreal about 10 yra ago, he played all his dads songs. That night will live long in the memory.

antitribaliste

3y↑20

This song perfectly describes the current situation in my beloved DRCongo.

MrHillbippie

6y↑32

this is totally fuckin bad ass. the groove is intense.

Simon Jefferis

2y↑129

NO BRAINS NO JOB NO SENSE. This is America 2020. We miss you Fela

Maria Boaventura

17w

E do Brasil em 2022

Ifeoluwapo Bada

46w↑1

It's actually "No brake, no jam, no sense"

Mike Kmusik

@IntrepidTit Well, obviously I can't refer to it as the Americas, because you don't understand the distiction between that and the United States of America. The only thing stupid of me was to continue this conversation. Take care.

IntrepidTit

@Mike Kmusik obviously I've encountered the term before, that doesn't make it any less stupid to still refer to a world with multiple civilizations as "new"

IntrepidTit

@Mike Kmusikyou're just being deliberately obtuse at this point, my previous comment made a clear distinction for mocking your use of "new world" and our original argument over the usage of the word America.

15 More Replies...

Klaus Von Haus

40w↑1

Just watched “Get on Up”, the biopic of James Brown. Made me think of Fela talking about visiting the US, and hearing James Brown for the first time. His idea of creating a fusion of African rhythms and Funk was brilliant!

Thomas Schinner

4y↑6

Respect to Fela Kuti.Greetings from Vienna Austria

WD Mombassa

5y↑3

thanks for this and the info... Fela is one of our legends, not just in musical entertainment but civil strives from government oppression.

Jah ka

5y↑49

While Fela Kuti remain a musical genius and African statesman, even Obasanjo that commanded his inprisment, beating and detention will never be as popular as Fela

Fela's time is yet to come. Write it down.

music is the only

2y↑4

Sometimes I think that it's the best music I've ever heard.

JF

25w↑2

Oh God I can’t stop dancin!!!

Alhassan Sulley

In 1971, I was privileged to watch him play Mr WHO ARE YOU live in Accra, and many could hear the vibrations some kilometers away.........it was AMAZING !!