Zombie
Fela Kuti And The Africa '70 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

Overall Meaning

The song "Zombie" by Fela Kuti And The Africa '70's is a politically charged song that captures the essence of military oppression in Nigeria in the 1970s. The song is an allegory that compares soldiers to zombies, insinuating that they are mindless and automatons that lack the ability to think, act, or feel independently. The lyrics of the song, "Zombie no go go unless you tell am to go," confirms this notion that soldiers are subject to the commands of their superiors and have no control over their lives and actions.

Furthermore, the song suggests that soldiers have been reduced to mere killing machines, devoid of any sense of morality or ethics. The chorus, "Go and kill, go and die, go and quench," reinforces this notion that soldiers are expected to do their jobs, even if it means sacrificing their own lives or taking the lives of others. The song's structure reinforces this notion, with the repeated use of the phrase "Joro, jara, joro" resembling a military cadence or marching beat.

Overall, "Zombie" is a powerful commentary on the military dictatorship and corruption in Nigeria at the time. Fela Kuti uses his music as a vehicle for social commentary and activism, making him a significant figure in Nigerian, and African, music history.

Line by Line Meaning

Zombie o, zombie
This is a repetition of the phrase 'Zombie o, zombie,' which serves as a refrain throughout the song. It is used to represent the mindlessness of the military and their inability to go against whatever orders they are given.

Zombie no go go, unless you tell am to go (Zombie)
The soldiers, referred to as zombies, will only move when given the command to do so by their superiors.

Zombie no go stop, unless you tell am to stop (Zombie)
Once given the command to move, the soldiers will continue to march forward until they receive another order to halt.

Zombie no go turn, unless you tell am to turn (Zombie)
The soldiers will only change direction if instructed to do so.

Zombie no go think, unless you tell am to think (Zombie)
The soldiers are not allowed to think for themselves, but rather are expected to blindly obey orders without question, similar to zombies.

Tell am to go straight A joro, jara, joro No break, no job, no sense A joro, jara, joro
The song is encouraging the military to continue marching forward without any thought, break, or hesitation.

Tell am to go kill A joro, jara, joro No break, no job, no sense A joro, jara, joro
The soldiers are being told to kill without reason or thought, and to continue doing so without question.

Tell am to go quench A joro, jara, joro No break, no job, no sense A joro, jara, joro
The phrase 'go quench' is interpreted as a command to kill, often used in Nigerian Pidgin English. The soldiers are again being told to continue killing without reason or thought.

Go and kill! (Joro, jaro, joro) Go and die! (Joro, jaro, joro) Go and quench! (Joro, jaro, joro) Put am for reverse! (Joro, jaro, joro)
These lines are commands given to the soldiers to kill, die, 'quench' (kill), and even reverse their actions if told to do so, demonstrating their lack of autonomy and free will.

Joro, jara, joro, zombie wey na one way Joro, jara, joro, zombie wey na one way Joro, jara, joro, zombie wey na one way
This line reiterates that the soldiers are like zombies in that they only go one way, and that is the way they are instructed to go by their superiors.

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!
These are various military commands that are given to soldiers, with 'zombie' sometimes added to emphasize the fact that the soldiers are essentially mindless, obedient automatons.

Lyrics © F.K.O. Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG VM MUSIC FRANCE, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kuti Fela Anikulapo

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@giovannidefelice130

7y↑4

Man do some research

military coup
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_coups_in_Nigeria#The_July_1966_coup

regime under:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakubu_Gowon

nigeria civil war:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Civil_War

who's using violence?

All comments from YouTube:

@felakuti

8y↑1.3K

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)

@StreamingSunrise

8y↑27

the new guy at work introduced me to this. thank you, fela kuti!

@chrisgreene2405

7y↑11

You are a musical genius

@Horus-Lupercal

7y↑37

You two know Kuti passed away in '97 right?

@Emzdrav

7y↑9

YEAH YEAH!!!

@kartelmoneyvevo3395

7y↑4

Fela Kuti boss world

74 More Replies...

@ulorohgrace9585

10w↑11

Who’s listening in 2024!!! What a master piece. Can Nigeria be worse than it is now? 😢

@oluseyeajose-adeogun2642

I swear

@bolajiadebiyi3684

4y↑701

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

@justhuman1722

4y↑9

U're so lucky ❤️😭🙇🏽‍♀️

@chimeremeze1506

3y↑7

You're lucky to have watched him perform live. The likes of fela kuti, lucky dube, i can pay anything to watch them live

@cobwebtheorem7538

3y↑5

@@chimeremeze1506 Glad I got to watch Lucky Dube live, and meet him on stage during a concert :-)

@juanestadian8471

3y↑3

I envy you

@stephanearthaud8308

3y↑12

I didn't even know Fela Kuti existed, four weeks ago. But since, I could never ignore it anymore ! Free, brilliant, and so arrogant ! As a french star !

19 More Replies...

@lakeview8553

4y↑174

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.

@toluokunola1330

2y↑2

Na only him ooo

@toluokunola1330

2y↑2

Na only him ooo

@folasadeakinbodewa3326

1y↑3

Long live Fela

@GH3K3

24w

Well, Uncle Tom's Cabin started the Civil War, according to Lincoln, anyway. that was just a BOOK.

@agbortemworld

19w

You said it all. It is a comic song but full of message!

@baronbaron472

38w↑17

Anyone watching Fela zombie in 2023-2024 ?

@mariaboaventura2438

38w

Magestic🎉

@veroniqueangely3245

38w

Oui moi et depuis très longtemps ❤

@comforts2213

4y↑74

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.

@folasadeakinbodewa3326

Keep the flag flying love

@tomcruz8615

7y↑480

One of the best middle finger songs of all time imo

@tomcruz8615

6y↑54

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

@josephokolo4897

6y↑8

My best in fela

@remi1627

5y↑3

Tom Cruz I think that I’m Tom cruise

@tomcruz8615

5y↑2

@@remi1627 Bobby with that tool!

@sbusisomulambo2791

True

4 More Replies...

@geroge.jbradley9651

5y↑95

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.

@justhuman1722

4y↑2

True

@sovietchampagne

3y↑7

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.

@omooduduwanimi7769

2y↑1

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

@bbp2930

2y↑1

@@sovietchampagne fr

@apostletone8657

8y↑881

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

@felakuti

8y↑64

+Apostle Tone Thank you for the respectful words Apostle

@donjazzy5510

7y↑93

The army proved on that disgraceful day that they were indeed zombies.....Fela was right!

@MarcoAntonio-zb8fd

5y↑41

Fela kuti was a real man anyone who would put their life for a song to speak the truth deserves everything in life..

@ayopaul9277

5y↑12

Really smart to have thought Fela would get into trouble when you were only 12 years old... almost sounds like a lie but i know you won't lie Apostle right?

@folaranmiabass8005

5y↑5

Apostle Tone well said

24 More Replies...

@johnohiokhuaoboaigbokhaode3849

7y↑86

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.

@SimonJefferis

4y↑129

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

@ACandidObserver

4y↑7

that's right

@mrkrudedorf6355

4y↑2

you are USA not america, problem number one of this worldwide stupid society: ingnorance.

@patrickotshumbe4201

4y↑1

Wooooorrrd

@KmusikOne

4y↑1

@@mrkrudedorf6355 United States of AMERICA

@KmusikOne

3y↑2

@IntrepidFinch Yes, the Americas are continents. The United States of 'America' was the first independent nation in the New World (the Americas). That's why the nickname "Americans" stuck for the people of the United States of America. Ask Europeans... They call us Americans. I know South Americans are all butthurt about it, but we were also the first and only country in the Americas with "America" in our name.

8 More Replies...

@patfoley5542

4y↑29

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

@kevindevine5192

2y↑145

As a white man living in the Midwest of the U.S.A. Fela touches my soul. His courage and amazing grooves should be an inspiration to us all!

@TomHuckACAB

38w

US mil are zombies too. MATA

@dodododatdatdat

34w↑2

Did you expect anything else?

@Ffme14xs

25w

@@dodododatdatdatstfu and stand tall upon the praise given!!

@kacimcdaniel4942

3y↑79

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 👑💖

@RapharMedia

2y↑2

please look for the one who inspired Fela.. the real King of HIghlife.. E.T Mensah

@adaezenebe249

2y↑4

Igbo**

@jamesubong4026

2y↑7

@@RapharMedia all dis Ghanaians don start again, always claiming every Nigeria success

@Maddogs27

2y↑1

@@adaezenebe249 it wasn't even, "lgbo" a decade ago. It is actually, "Heebo." Check your history.

@michaelanthony4949

2y↑3

This is not highlife this is afrobeat

3 More Replies...

@jean99p

4y↑72

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

@MrFree-vj8qj

3y↑3

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

@davidbabafemiaka2249

4y↑16

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

@montemanzana2134

8y↑266

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

@idowukoleoso6302

5y↑6

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

@kyliemichelle4133

5y↑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".

@praisethelordeveryday5332

Jesus Is King

@bestchairman2411

6y↑31

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

@ajonetto

8y↑124

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

@akerejaben2709

4y↑47

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.

@lamrechane2477

3y↑1

43yrs later

@ola-oodua2499

Will never be gotten. Shame on the zoo army. Truly zombies they are. Fela was always right.

@josephseidle9684

4y↑24

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🔥🔥🔥

@kayodeodusanya5751

42w↑3

That's crazy. Why would they do that

@shanemccoy42

4y↑37

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 ?!?

@xazzybwoii8853

3y↑2

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

@lucyarque2946

7y↑213

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

@spriritwaco

5y↑12

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

@TaiViinikka

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

@oluwasegunobassa7902

2y↑5

It is from another plane... man was Spiritual

@salvadorfuentes8880

2y↑1

Afrobeat is so beautifully unique

@alphabogeyman7462

1y↑1

If you know the circumstances surrounding the song, you'll be even more shocked that he had the bravery to put out the song. Allowing women to mock soldiers (something African men find humiliating) under military rule and referring to them as zombies for following orders blindly. It was glaring he was talking about the military when he started saying; "quick march,slow march,about turn, salute....".
An the military junta reacted angrily.

@drkikiope

4y↑131

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

@francisaweenagua6241

3y↑4

I totally agree with you

@francisaweenagua6241

3y↑4

This song is more important now than ever

@blancanieto5114

3y↑3

Every where ? Music is the Truth

@Fred-mx6cu

3y↑1

You are very beautiful

@surfbouy

5y↑90

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

@surfbouy

5y↑1

@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.

@adamamaiga1188

43w↑20

The genre of music that should be promoted
Rest in peace great pioneer

FELA KUTI ❤❤❤

@unathimichaelmxaku8105

41w↑1

no one can like him,his sons tried the dedication behind the creation it's out this world.

@toddkray391

4y↑288

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

@stuartallan9914

4y↑8

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

@subtletherapy

4y↑6

Fuck, I was just about to comment praising the drums

@ayo30s

4y↑5

No Doubt, R.I.P 👍🏾👊🏾✌🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

@peteronu2744

3y↑2

wow i remember the first time i visited fela shrine

@alessiobasciani2080

3y↑3

Greatest of all time. GOAT.

6 More Replies...

@inlazlowetrust

8y↑664

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.

@felakuti

8y↑28

Nicely said (y)

@inlazlowetrust

7y↑30

Tommy Hass
Considering the Nigerian government burned down his recording studio (and tapes), killed half his staff members and his grandmother and then drove him out from the country, why shouldn't he?

@giovannidefelice130

7y↑4

@dan32113

7y↑10

just kill people for an insult, sounds like the Saudis & Taliban why don't you move there!

@anthonydoyle9379

7y↑33

i am nigerian and fuck the government and fuck all miltary personal bunch of zombie they had no right of kicking him out of his country

19 More Replies...

@sajidhamin

5y↑340

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

@raymondsmith9975

5y↑5

sajidh amin as an Afrikan American, he changed my way of looking at poetry, life, and music in general. He is the voice that raises me from my straw hut in the early throes of morning dusk...just saying

@valstoreilvero

5y↑5

of course , never forget, Fela Mum was defenestred by police, for this song..

@sawtoothiandi

5y↑3

this is what music can be!!!!

@edwinmututu8131

5y↑2

Yep. We are here my broda.

@noahjohnson3337

5y↑1

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

2 More Replies...

@seriously4ked596

5y↑53

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

@The_Touring_Jedi

36w↑2

He was also against LGBT ideologie which is crushing our societies and our future...

@ezzypizzy154

6y↑882

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.

@seankates9475

5y↑62

Maybe Music's greatest power is speaking truth to power

@ToyotaGuy1971

5y↑55

Amen to that! That's why people say, "It's not the size of the man in the fight, but the size of the fight in the man".

@oluggbal3005

4y↑22

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

@kiwidubz

4y↑13

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

@AudioPervert1

3y↑6

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.

17 More Replies...

@omarcortes1895

5y↑27

Now Fela is got a fan from Mexico 🇲🇽!!!!!!

@kuntakinte6871

Hola, conoces Nusrat fateh Ali Kahn?
Si te gusta Fela tambien El te va a gustar aun sea musica completamente diferente
Saludos Desde Alemania

@bulbousblues1

5y↑45

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

@vivianaqyarko6777

19w↑5

My Ghanaian dad loved different types of music he would sit me down with my siblings every Saturday listening to fela kuti rest in power a talented no nonsense african king❤

@varunchoudhary8149

1y↑12

I am leaving this comment here so after a month or a year when someone likes it, i get reminded of this masterpiece ❤

@akinolaoyelola690

3y↑21

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

@CamaradaGagarin

6y↑432

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.

@folaranmiabass8005

Yuri VS ♥️

@nicholasc.5944

Im impressed my friend I'm im impressed

@grumpee8432

4y↑1

The sentiment of his message deserves nothing less than the invoked affirmation of his listeners.

@kerahilton6655

4y↑3

In California and digging this! This is talent with a purpose. Much respect.

@ayo30s

4y↑2

No Doubt Brother, 👍🏾👊🏾✌🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

6 More Replies...

@wellingtonzani1280

4y↑7

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

@erismara9099

4y↑46

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

@airmanchairman

1y↑2

Did you know that rank-and-file Nigerian soldiers used to joyfully carry out parade drills to this song when their senior officers were not watching? Fela the musical genius skilfully crafted it in 2/4-4/4 time, which is the military marching tempo across all armies of the planet.!

And the soldiers would make moves to “obey” every order in the lyrics: “attention, fall back, fall out, quick march, turn round, left turn, right turn, about turn, double up, open your hat, stand at ease, salute, HALT‼️”… etc. 😂

Fela’s irresistible rhythms made him the darling of even his most inveterate adversaries‼️

@sublimecredompondo5120

4y↑85

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

@midnaurthqua6773

3y↑3

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

@jcasbis

3y↑2

2021 from México!!!

@tokorashidbinali5999

25w↑3

As a Ugandan always watch this song , it's a typica of Ugandan security men and women under the dictator

@gfunkin2

4y↑61

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

@davidhugh2344

3y↑22

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

@TheIanlincoln

3y↑9

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

@Lunar4

3y↑2

always has

@midnaurthqua6773

3y↑3

And Europe!

@mobolajiotuwa296

7y↑129

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

@yewandeajayi9545

5y↑2

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

@nmg1909

3y↑1

@@yewandeajayi9545 If the head is sick it will affect the whole body. It is the state of the Nigerian govt being sick in the head.

@oladipo8951

3y↑13

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

@ShengTalkKamaKawa

6y↑50

FELA !! Too nice Beyonce had to pay homage

@weston5209

4y↑92

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.

@MangasColoradas941

2y↑1

you live in a relatively free society not a military dictatorship. one dead black guy =/= authortarian hellscape

@CHARLESKODUA1

6y↑61

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

@chikarayleigh4534

5y↑66

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

@godisgoodchosen2670

4y↑3

Hahahaha u are wicked

@justhuman1722

4y↑2

😂😂😂😂 wicked ❤️❤️😂

@usmanidris4361

4y↑1

Really?

@charleswhite5735

4y↑2

🤣, 🐐 comment walahi .

@Anna-loves-you

1y↑1

Wash your mouth

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@portalej5032

2y↑8

from a corner of my colombian caribbean caribbean coast we listened to these songs in the pickups of our cities with feeling and joy to our african ancestors years that will not return beautiful 70s of our childhood

@alhassansulley9380

2y↑6

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 !!

@jamesyoung151

7y↑172

Fela Kuti, the godfather of Afrobeat

@godsanointed3397

2y↑5

Admin, should have written a short story explaining the reasons for the song, and the government reaction after Fela released this song. It's good younger generation understood what Fela did to make Nigeria and Africa great. Thanks.

@TuMalditaMadre

3y↑21

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

@rosamuzumbo5053

3y↑4

Welcome to Africa!

@jeremiahbeyan2900

3y↑2

That's Africa for you bro

@JHKanus

2y↑2

It was a totally madness and wickedness

@George_Shonia

6y↑26

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

@kinkyyogi

5y↑41

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.

@mogana20

4y↑56

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.

@TheShuaib93

🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿 same here 👌🏿

@nanaserwaah9955

🤔

@ladytee4269

Ditto❤❤

@GH3K3

24w↑1

God you're blessed to have cool parents with soul. MY parents rarely listened to music (and most of that was easy listening type stuff), but at least I had an older brother turned me on to Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Alice Cooper.

But most of the music I loved as a boy growing up in the '60s in white bread surburbia came from the TV... West Side Story, Elvis Comeback special, Jonny Quest theme, ad jingles. But I digress.

Fela and Africa 70 are really kicking some serious butt on this record; the previous listen, "Open and Close" (1971), however, was a bit too tame for my tastes.

The fact that THIS record stimulated the State Goon Squad ("unknown soldiers," ha ha) to chuck Fela's mom out a second story window among many other heinous crimes of violence makes me consider: was it worth it? Nigeria hasn't seemed to have changed very much from what I've read in various comment threads, so I don't know.

@mojisoladeji

5y↑16

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!"

@chukwukajoeliheanacho

7y↑27

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

@neomoagi4266

8y↑74

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

@michaelkb8-245

8y↑8

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

@martinsadegbite5454

6y↑1

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

@TheKlauscat

3y↑10

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!

@supermax6401

6y↑11

Respect to Fela Kuti.Greetings from Vienna Austria

@JanavarKan83

4y↑67

Rest in peace Tony Allen, a legend forever.

@mtdgeorge4953

4y↑4

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

@RapharMedia

2y↑1

@@mtdgeorge4953 both schooled by E.T Mensah and Guy Warren

@GeorgeMB07

@@RapharMedia
Rest Banku clown

@robjones2408

3y↑9

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.

@jesuseniyan3193

7y↑122

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

@RobFieldFlorida

6y↑7

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

@abokigbese7631

7y↑40

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

@Bleofuse

5y↑9

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

@mspsoundtracks8999

2y↑15

The bass line is magical 🔥

@emocionanime.7989

2y↑15

Gracias Fela por esta obra maestra. Saludos desde la República Dominicana 🇩🇴

@crazypomp927

2y↑6

This song is so cool! I was led by a mention of Fela from a member of the old band The Talking Heads during an interview on the channel Professor of Rock, and I'm very happy for this! What wonderful music!

@giovaniprospero8554

4y↑5

Great man ...we all saw the zombies 🧟‍♂️ killing our brothers on the 20/10/2020.

@tobiasjames9157

7y↑27

amazing track by an amazing man

@felakuti

7y↑3

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

@ChUch123

4y↑11

Dear Fela! 💥 The 2020 #endsars #endswat #notmypresident #buharimustgo etc protests are on. The youths are fighting to take their country back from the tyrants. We are still here, Fela. You live on! Anikulapo! The man who has death in his pocket. You live on!

@ibukunebenezeradepoju6199

He saw it all, legendary

@ChUch123

18w

2023. A whole lot more has happened! We are still here! NIGERIA, WHEN??

@nathanseper8738

5y↑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!

@obafemiharrison7726

Nathan Seper StrongMEN, actually.

@anijunior7927

4y↑2

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

@pinojow

8y↑80

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

@househead67

8y↑40

this joint is sooooooooooooo fitting right about now...

@threeace1832

4y↑2

RIP Tony Allen..thanks for putting the BEAT in Afrobeat.

@zaynahhh

4y↑7

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

@musinguzibamuturaki2437

4y↑6

Fela Kuti was a very strong man for he managed to stand up to the brutal army with his music! We need more of these type of artists in Africa.

@mariocastillo8334

6y↑9

I came here recommended by Zack de la Rocha. I now officially own Zack too much to ever be able to repay in full.

@ZackBite

5y↑2

I was born in July of 1976 , that's how old this song is , yet , this song has relevance in the life of the African ( Black ELITES) Oppressors.

@yokimakaki8066

2y↑2

Im cameroonian. My father used to listen to this song

@fistandpen2505

29w↑1

BABA is the one Nigerian that unites all Nigerians poor or rich, north or south, Christiaan or Muslim (or traditional). Baba was a complex man, very true, and not without deep fundamental flaws, particularly from a retrospective view, but he was a truth teller that no one can argue. Currently there seems to be a lot of focus on his anti-Nigerian govt stances, probably to sell a narrative more easily to the West, however, FELA saved his most biting critiques for colonial white folks and their destructive agendas of the day (and complicit Africans).

@mxa1axm

7y↑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.

@karamqusai

7y↑41

Great greetings from Iraq Mosul :)

@nobad6134

7y↑3

Stay safe from ISIS bro

@karamqusai

7y↑3

I'm now refugee in Europe :)

@tryzub4938

4y↑1

Greetings back from Zhytomyr, Ukraine

@sheevamatimbas4300

@@karamqusai I hope whichever country in Europe you're in , are treating you well

@niminii

6y↑23

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.

@mr._unchained

4y↑12

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

@marcobechere4452

5y↑14

Zombies invade the whole planet, from Iceland to South Africa. We need more freedom. Great music, by the way.

@jonkay4188

5y↑2

Still plenty of Zombies all across Africa.
Rest well King !

@melisarodriguez6783

5y↑12

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

@ultramarine2508

5y↑600

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

@nkechidouglas5541

5y↑67

Lol, many of them actually sneaked into his shrine under the cover of night to listen to his music. On his infamous 'Yabis' Night, he ribs them mercilessly and they laugh right along with the hoi polloi😂😂😂

@theigbotruth

4y↑40

The soldiers usually sneaked into his Kalakuta shrine at night in plain clothes to dance to his songs, then threaten him during the day.

@jdinkalagemorgoone9576

4y↑1

Chris Kattan in Undercover Brother.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT6IuqoMIgg

@babatundeladunni5234

4y↑7

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

@obohaghogho

4y↑25

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

11 More Replies...

@peteg3596

5y↑11

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

@alineusanase2262

20w

You mean Femi !!

@manliomartinezbarona5627

4y↑11

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

@baldoquezadamartich825

2y↑16

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

@agbortemworld

19w↑1

Each time I listen to this song I understand why Fela is unique in everything.

@beautifulcaramelman

2y↑6

Fela went hard on this one! He went deep! He's talking about sheeple! I'm just here shaking my body!

@beautifulcaramelman

26w

He did, didn't he. The zombie doesn't dance, unless you tell it to dance. It's bread and circuses.

@estanislao3414

4y↑11

So privileged to be able to hear such inspiring art

@lavaga4909

4y↑7

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

@aframaco9491

2y↑9

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

Fela is KING 👑 👊🏾!

@josephseidle9684

9w↑2

2024 and still ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

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