Versions

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, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG VM MUSIC FRANCE
Written by: Kuti Fela Anikulapo

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them

Zombie was first played by Fela Kuti and Africa 70 at FESTAC (Festival for Black Arts and Culture) in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977. The song's immediate popularity (it satirised the military government of the time) incurred the wrath of the government, and soldiers destroyed Kuti's home. He fled to Ghana and continued to perform Zombie there, at one point provoking a riot which resulted in the entire band being thrown out of the country. the song is said to have become popular throughout Africa Read Full BioZombie was first played by Fela Kuti and Africa 70 at FESTAC (Festival for Black Arts and Culture) in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977. The song's immediate popularity (it satirised the military government of the time) incurred the wrath of the government, and soldiers destroyed Kuti's home. He fled to Ghana and continued to perform Zombie there, at one point provoking a riot which resulted in the entire band being thrown out of the country. the song is said to have become popular throughout Africa, as a way of cocking a snook at the military governments which plagued many countries there.

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01Lady13:48

02Shakara13:26

03Gentleman (Edit Version)11:00

04Water No Get Enemy (Edit Version)9:50

05Zombie12:24

PT12M24S

Fela Kuti

06Sorrow Tears and Blood10:15

07No Agreement, Part 27:54

08Roforofo Fight15:37

09Shuffering and Shmiling12:20

10Coffin For Head of State13:19

11I T T, Part 213:42

12Army Arrangement (Part 2)0:01

13O.D.O.O. (Edit Version)6:53

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

ummeiguess

@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↑918

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)

Osaobomhen Efoghe

@Audio Pervert I picked up on ur tone from the third line and new instantly you were going to maliciously magnify the fact that he was reported to have died of aids. Shame! Death is death, whether of AIDS or of cancer or by a bullet holes in the head. You go get a life
First . Then you'll see how miserable, brutish and short it is. Then you can quietly use it up a zombie and not make the most of it which legends like Fela do.

Maryam Hassan

i just wish i met him.u were a true legend.kisses

ttsmilez

@StreamingSunrise nmmoo

ttsmilez

Pppppp

59 More Replies...

Bolaji ADEBIYI

2y↑314

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

Chibueze Princewillchukwudi

6d↑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

10w

Followed by Omoyele Sowore

Midna Urthqua

11w

You were indeed!
How nice to see the word 'priviliged' used in its true sense!
You know what I thought this morning? He was murdered!
In this time, with the cocovidu, one can't help doing research. Turns out faucio has tried this virissy assault before and they made the aids virissy. Maybe when Fela was in jail...they made sure he got it.
That is what I think.
His songs are a perfect match with the days we live in. They give strength. From beyond the grave, Fela is still sharing his spirit with us.
And fights the corruption✊🏼❤🎶

William Cunningham

11w

People like this are special souls for all of us to Unite and fight the powers that be 💙

Mark Tosh

19w

@Audio Pervert

Where would we be without you to point out that no one is without fault ?

12 More Replies...

Ezzy Pizzy

4y↑536

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.

LEO GAMING

7w↑1

@Audio Pervert He's an African man he should give less fuck about LGBTQ

Mulondo Kalemera

17w↑4

@Audio Pervert Get out of here with your nonsense. He was human; human beings are not perfect and make mistakes.

He was also a genius. If that hurts you, sorry.

Audio Pervert

19w

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

1y↑8

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

OLUG GBAL

2y↑12

Yeah HE HAD BALLS MAN!!! Bold man...very bold.....So glad i grew up watching him and being around him....great legend!

2 More Replies...

Apostle Tone

6y↑635

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

...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

@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...

Femi

@chidi ejikeme oloribuu
Olodhi
Were

Nnamdi George

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

Boss Man

14w↑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....

23 More Replies...

Um Bongo

5y↑247

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

Otusajo Adesola

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

2y↑1

@Victor Wade dry

1 1 1

I swear!!!

1 More Replies...

Yuri VS

3y↑324

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.

Yuri VS

39w

@CRWS oh look, the bookreader that wants to sound fancy making a Basic grammar error.

Oh, you.

CRWS

39w

@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

39w

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

CRWS

39w↑1

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

CRWS

39w↑1

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

6 More Replies...

inlazlowetrust

5y↑644

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

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

Frank Hamed

18w

Home of the brave

Audio Pervert

19w↑1

remiem6070

20w↑1

@inlazlowetrust Mother not grandmother!

18 More Replies...

Todd Kray

1y↑131

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

Alessio Basciani

34w↑1

Greatest of all time. GOAT.

Peter Onu

35w↑1

wow i remember the first time i visited fela shrine

ayo30s

1y↑4

No Doubt, R.I.P 👍🏾👊🏾✌🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

Ashutosh Gupta

1y↑5

Fuck, I was just about to comment praising the drums

Stuart Allan

1y↑5

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

Johnny P

2y↑54

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

12w

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

Jesus Eniyan

5y↑109

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

Rob Field

3y↑7

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

Tom Cruz

4y↑303

One of the best middle finger songs of all time imo

Sbusiso Mulambo

43w

True

Tom Cruz

3y↑2

@Remi Bobby with that tool!

Remi

3y↑2

Tom Cruz I think that I’m Tom cruise

joseph okolo

4y↑6

My best in fela

Tom Cruz

4y↑39

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

1 More Replies...

Tu Maldita Madre

35w↑12

They threw his mother out of a window over this song. I still can't believe it.

Jeremiah Beyan

That's Africa for you bro

Rosa Muzumbo

12w↑2

Welcome to Africa!

Weston

1y↑65

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.

Kikiope Oluwarore

1y↑115

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

45w↑1

You are very beautiful

Blanca Nieto

46w↑2

Every where ? Music is the Truth

Francis Aweenagua

51w↑4

This song is more important now than ever

Francis Aweenagua

51w↑3

I totally agree with you

sublime credo mpondo

2y↑78

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

Juan Isaac Casbis

21w↑1

2021 from México!!!

Midna Urthqua

21w↑2

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

scott reynolds

3y↑28

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

Mobolaji Otuwa

4y↑124

Nigeria government see this music as confrontational whereas Fela Anikulapo Kuti was saying the truth.

Nnamdi George

@Yewande Ajayi If the head is sick it will affect the whole body. It is the state of the Nigerian govt being sick in the head.

Yewande Ajayi

2y↑2

We are the cause of our problems, the citizens and government share the blame

Shane Mccoy

2y↑15

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

17w

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

Gecchi X

3y↑211

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

Denny Osifo

32w

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

50w

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

1y↑4

@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

Lil broomstick

1y↑2

@Mj Neilu yeah it is in k109 I think

7 More Replies...

Ultramarine

3y↑434

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

Mad Madderson

13w

This comment is baller!

Blanca Nieto

46w

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

Sam Sosa

1y↑3

Ironic ain't it?

aghogho oboh

1y↑15

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

1y↑3

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

3 More Replies...

Kaci McDaniel

44w↑9

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 👑💖

Shane Mccoy

1y↑7

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

Alberto Cano Navarro

1y↑52

Rest in peace Tony Allen, a legend forever.

Mtd George

1y↑4

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

Seriously 4ked

2y↑18

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

Manuk, Psiconauta del Inconsciente

5y↑88

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

Reefthebeef

50w↑5

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

Lucy Arqué

4y↑90

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

Tai Viinikka

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

andy Zipele

2y↑8

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

Charles Kodua

3y↑40

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

Suhe Bator

2y↑4

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

Nathan Seper

3y↑11

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

1y↑1

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

Obafemi Harrison

Nathan Seper StrongMEN, actually.

David Babafemi Aka

1y↑13

Goodnight Tony Allen...Second to none drummer....🕺🎶🕺🥁🥁🥁

Ugo

2y↑7

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.

mxa1axm

5y↑13

Fela music to an older generation must have felt western although he was reclaiming a lot of identity that colonialism had displaced. He was still a man of his epoch with a unique view.

Tobias James

5y↑25

amazing track by an amazing man

Fela Kuti

5y↑3

Thank you Toby. Hopefully you have subscribed to the Fela channel for more text commentaries every Friday. Yeah Yeah

surfbouy

2y↑26

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

surfbouy

@Jyestha King I fail to see the correlation between introducing people to great music and my proficiency as an individual. Could it be that you're talking nonsense? I think it is. Shoo, back to your hidey hole, and let the grown ups talk, child.

Monte Manzana

6y↑263

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

Praise the Lord Everyday

36w

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!

Mark Horrocks

5y↑5

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.

Chika Rayleigh

2y↑23

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

Charles White

🤣, 🐐 comment walahi .

Usman Idris

Really?

Just HUMAN!!

1y↑1

😂😂😂😂 wicked ❤️❤️😂

godisgood chosen

1y↑1

Hahahaha u are wicked

Olusola Olanrewaju

1y↑19

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.

Olusola Olanrewaju

17w

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

Mulondo Kalemera

17w

The Fulanis? Such as Olusegun Obasanjo? Ah?

David Hugh

37w↑1

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

James Young

5y↑115

Fela Kuti, the godfather of Afrobeat

neo moagi

5y↑65

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

5y↑6

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

Best Chairman

4y↑20

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

エミ

3y↑16

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

Rise of The Divine Feminine

3y↑14

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.

Jah ka

4y↑46

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.

Mojisola Wadsworth

2y↑8

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!"

sham adonai

1y↑32

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

Simon Jefferis

1y↑123

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

Ifeoluwapo Bada

15w↑1

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

Mike Jones

48w

@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

48w

@Mike Jones 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

48w

@Mike Jonesyou'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.

Mike Jones

48w

@IntrepidTit Furthermore, no definition of chauvinism even remotely resembles my use of the term New World to describe the Americas. I am completely impartial to being a native of the "New" or "Old World." New word you learned in your Women's Studies class?

14 More Replies...

samuel endeley

4y↑32

this instrumental is fucking good been on it since sunlight

Bendominic Ilo

4y↑21

The best musician we lost may his soul rest in peace amen.

Pat Foley

2y↑3

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

pinojow

5y↑67

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

olusola balogun

5y↑10

The historical import of these series of releases - Alagbon Close, Expensive Shit, Zombe, Everything Scatter Scatter, Unknown Soldier, Beast of No Nation by Baba, the Black President marked dark periods in Lagos. Nigeria Police Force initiated the reigns of harassment and wanton arrest of Fela and his fans, especially around Ojuelegba - Idi-oro axis. Later the Nigeria Army under the Commander - in - Chief of General Olusegun Obasanjo, unleashed reigns of terror on Kalakuta Republic that finally obliterated it. Incidents which culminated in the birth of Pepple Street Shrine. It was the height of military impunity in Lagos and Nigeria in general. The turbulence filled Lagos dwellers with awe, while Khaki boys unleashed terror such as never known before. Man of the people, a lone voice, Fela challenged the military establishment in a manner no one dared. This lone ranger fought against military high handedness, an act that caused him irreparable loss. Fela Anikulapo Kuti championed the cause of the common man. Lent his voice to the Rule of Law and advocated Human Rights as well Social Justice even before the advent of Amnesty International et al. Fela: visionary, activist, advocate, philosopher, soldier, apostle, dogged- fighter and most of all the originator of Afro music l salute you. Your vision of a better Nigeria for the teeming underprivileged Nigerians is still elusive but the awareness your created is the gospel you left behind. True Patriot l salute you. On behalf of your disciples the world over, l say Orun re o. Haba, Fela flog them all! Iya 'won!

Akereja Ben

1y↑40

About 40yrs later Zombies did their worst on innocent youths protesting for their future at Lekki toll gate 20/10/2020. The generations of those behind the senseless massacre will not know peace Amen.

Lamre Chane

37w↑1

43yrs later

John Ohiokhuaobo Aigbokhaode

4y↑32

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.

Danilo Rafael Nogueira

Tenho certeza que a inspiração para "Bogotá" do rapper Criolo, veio desta canção.
Esses ataques de 🎺 e trombone são extraordinários

sajidh amin

3y↑337

Any Zombie Fan's in 2019?
Music to my Soul 💆🏻‍♂️

Babatunde Gbadamosi

2y↑1

My all time record . I've played this record over 50,000times. No exaggeration. The best

1 1 1

2y↑1

🙋

Noah Johnson

2y↑1

Best music of all time. So many unheard legends came from this era of music.

Edwin Mututu

2y↑2

Yep. We are here my broda.

Popeye Regina

2y↑4

this is what music can be!!!!

2 More Replies...

Estanislao

1y↑2

So privileged to be able to hear such inspiring art

Zaynah

2y↑5

Song is now featured in Black Lighting, Fela, u have come far🤩🥳🙏🏽✨

eddie jonz

6y↑40

this joint is sooooooooooooo fitting right about now...

Alessio Basciani

1y↑2

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.

Marlo cantillo grau

5y↑5

que tema tan original fela kuti,muy bueno ,gracias por ese aporte tan significativo a tu cultura,te felicito desde cartagena -colombia.

Fash Shodeinde

un artistel del poeblo. con grand corazon caliente por la humanidad. um genios artistd mas grande. viva!

Marlo cantillo grau

bacannnnnno,unico,bueno ,bueno

J Clinton

3y↑52

what makes me upset about felas story .. he was treated unfaired by his own and its sad man .
i never understand how we do such thing to each other

isaac balogun

1y↑3

Its still reality today in Nigeria.

Alf Jones

2y↑9

@Mjenzi64 but he is talking about us. Don't extenuate. Don't dilute. We as a people are the most awful to our ownselves

Mjenzi64

2y↑9

Sadly, its a universal phenomenon of humans crucifying their messengers of light.

Wellington Zani

2y↑4

Thx GTA4 for showing me this masterpiece! Afrobeat is awesome!

David Rausch

1y↑4

Will be playing this on the 7th of July loud so the MPigs can hear it 254 represent🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

Bulan Xnoire

1y↑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.

Baligh Sohbani

5y↑20

thanks for the slideshow very instructiv !
Fela's life is a weapon of the future !

Fela Kuti

5y↑3

Hello Baligh. I'm glad you enjoyed listening to Zombie and reading the history behind the song.
Also, thank you for subscribing to the official Fela channel, this means a lot to us.
Take Care Baligh "yeah yeah" (y)

Dan-Andrei Năfureanu

1y↑4

Rest in peace Tony Allen! God bless his soul!

gfunkin2

1y↑48

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

Midna Urthqua

21w↑2

And Europe!

Dkotes

24w↑1

always has

TheIanlincoln

37w↑5

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

David Hugh

37w↑11

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

Aboki Gbese

5y↑44

I wish I was a man when Fela was alive. I would have joined his band.

Ellie Gray

2y↑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.

Tomasito Tortaquemada

2y↑2

Yo baile esta música hasta el cansancio, sin parar, Bailábamos como Zombies. También Soul Makossa de Manu Dibango

Pete g

3y↑10

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

Sheng Talk - Kama Kawa

4y↑53

FELA !! Too nice Beyonce had to pay homage

Joseph Seidle

1y↑5

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🔥🔥🔥

James Waweru

5y↑15

Cant stay still whenever this song plays

Melisa Rodriguez

3y↑9

That band is so tight and then five minutes in the chanting vocals kickk in 420 OMG

akinola Oyelola

13w↑1

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

Stanimir Kalchev

3y↑16

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.

Frank Hannig

2y↑25

This is as relevant today as ever.

Phillip Garjay INNIS

5y↑19

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

mrsolo54

3y↑4

salute... my dad used to play this while I was growing up,I just used to remember how long it was on a record... big big tune

Klaus Von Haus

9w↑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!

George Shonia

3y↑24

Grand Theft Auto IV brought me here! thank you Rockstar for making such a great game! ❤

B'leo Matrica

2y↑5

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

Joseph Bisong

3y↑2

I will always listen to fela music any time any day. Rest in peace prophet.

Aldo Ruocco

1y↑4

Eternal Masterpiece!

Dat Fishe Boi

4y↑4

Right now, for one of the first times ever, I can now saw, unironically, this:

Not all heroes wear capes.

Junior Santiago

5y↑3

unbelievable brilliant song can`t keep my feet quiet

antitribaliste

3y↑18

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

Lake View

1y↑8

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.

Angel Of Death

39w↑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 🙏🏾

WD Mombassa

4y↑3

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

OLADOTUN OLÀDIMEJI

3y↑6

Fela lives on,blessed memory. "salute"

ibro adan

1y↑6

can't get enough of this.

Ajijola Isaac

2y↑3

This is evergreen. I admire the courage of Legend. Musician.

Eugenio Bacchini

4y↑2

Great song, great music! I love Fela!

Jon Jones

5y↑19

This is great , with the commentary/EDUCATION ,...Very nice one X

KARTEL MONEYVEVO

4y↑1

Fela Kuti up

Fela Kuti

5y↑3

Thank you for the kind words and the appreciation for these commentary videos Jon. Hopefully you have subscribed to the Fela channel for more text commentaries every Friday. "Yeah Yeah"

Chukwuka Joel Iheanacho

4y↑28

Fela was like a teacher of wisdom teaching the youth about the future politics and characteristic of governmental attitude towards people of Nigeria, look and learning careful into melody of the music of fela kuti, also check mate our current society of today. What is really the difference in our leadership legacy of this century and now fela kuti has gone beyond our hearen, who will free this great country of corruption now, obasanjo has failed, buhari has failed who is Next