As with many of their contemporaries such as The Chemical Brothers and Underworld, Leftfield pioneered the use of guest vocalists throughout their career. Among the more prominent were Toni Halliday (of Curve), who sang on "Original", Djum Djum on "Afro-Left" and Earl 16 and Cheshire Cat on "Release the Pressure".
Neil Barnes' entry into the music world was as a DJ at The Wag Club while simultaneously playing percussion instruments. Around 1989, inspired by Afrika Bambaata, Barnes decided to try his hand at electronic music production. In 1990, he released the single "Not Forgotten" on the Rhythm King label. It was followed by "More Than I Know" in 1991.
For the remixes of these tracks, Barnes called upon Paul Daley, then a hairdresser, but also in A Man Called Adam and a formerly a session musician for the Brand New Heavies and Primal Scream, appearing on their Dixie Narco EP. Barnes and Daley had previously worked together as percussionists at The Sandals' first club, Violets. As their mutual interest in electronic music became clear the pair decided that they would work instead upon Leftfield, once Barnes had extricated himself from his now troublesome contract with Rhythm King.
Leftfield's first major career break came in 1993 with the single "Open Up", a collaboration with John Lydon. That single was soon followed by their debut album, Leftism in 1995. On this album, Leftfield blended styles like dub, breakbeat, and techno. Five singles supported the album: "Release the Pressure" (featuring Earl 16 and Chesire Cat), "Song of Life", "Open Up" (featuring John Lydon), "Original" (featuring Toni Halliday) and "Afro-Left" (featuring Djum Djum).
Leftism was shortlisted for the 1995 Mercury Music Prize but lost out to Portishead's Dummy. In a 1998 Q magazine poll, readers voted it the eightieth greatest album of all time, while in 2000 Q placed it at number 34 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever. The album was re-released in 2000 with a bonus disc of remixes.
In 1996, the song "A Final Hit" featured on the Trainspotting soundtrack.
Their second and final album, Rhythm and Stealth was released in 1999 and it reached #1 in the UK Albums Chart. The album maintained a similar style, and featured Roots Manuva, Afrika Bambaataa, and MC Cheshire Cat from Birmingham.
Rhythm and Stealth was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize in 2000 but lost out to Badly Drawn Boy's The Hour of Bewilderbeast. Three singles were issued: "Afrika Shox", "Dusted" and "Swords". The song "Phat Planet" featured on Guinness' 1999 advert, Surfer.
In 2002 the band split. In 2005, they issued the greatest hits compilation A Final Hit. In 2010, Leftfield reunited and played a string of shows. However, Leftfield is now represented by Barnes alone with a backing band and singers, as Daley is concentrating on his DJ work, as well as releasing a solo album.
Official site: http://www.leftfieldtour.co.uk
Africa Shox
Leftfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feel the rhythm of the Afrika Bambaataa
Are you ready for the new age
They are setting the stage for the renegades
To control your mind
They planned it yesterday fffffff-free
Zulu nation here to stay
Let's get electrofied
Funkin it Afrika
Pump it, rockin' it, stickin' it
Funkin it Zulu nation
Z-U-L-U that's the way we say Zulu
Z-U-L-U that's the way we say Zulu
Zulu nation cities of angels
Afrika Bamaaaaaataaaa Zulu nation
Electro funk, electro funk
Electro funk future shock
Weee want your funk - Afrika
We want your funk let's get electrofied
The world is on fire, can I take you higher
The world is on fire zulu nation
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha future
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha future
Electro get going and the funk don't stop
Time to clear the floor and
Let the Zulu's rock
The year 2000 is on the way, some say
The year 2000 has been here since yesterday
Electric beats electric beats
We're Zulusssssssssssssssssss
Z-U-L-U that's the way you say Zulu
That's the way you say Zulu
The lyrics to Leftfield's "Africa Shox" are an homage to Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneer of electro-funk and hip-hop music. The song celebrates Bambaataa's influence and the impact he had on the music industry. The lyrics mention the Zulu Nation, a cultural organization founded by Bambaataa, which aimed to promote unity, awareness, and empowerment through music and dance.
The lyrics begin by invoking the rhythm and influence of Afrika Bambaataa, suggesting that the new age is about to be ushered in by these renegades. The phrase "they planned it yesterday" suggests that this movement has been in the making for some time. The Zulu Nation is highlighted as a force that is here to stay, ready to "electrofy" and "funkify" the world. The repetition of "Pump it, rockin' it, stickin' it" emphasizes the energetic and engaging nature of the music.
The lyrics then mention "cities of angels," possibly referring to Los Angeles, where Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation gained prominence. The phrase "Electro funk, electro funk, electro funk future shock" suggests the futuristic and innovative nature of their music. The song continues with a call for Bambaataa's funk and an invitation to get "electrofied," reflecting the electrifying energy and dance style associated with this music.
The repetition of "The world is on fire" could symbolize the intensity and passion of the movement, with the Zulu Nation aiming to take their audiences to even higher levels. The final lines assert the Zulu identity and emphasize the power and significance of their culture.
Overall, "Africa Shox" celebrates the influence and legacy of Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation, highlighting their role in the development of electro-funk music and their impact on the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Afrika Bambaataa
Feel the rhythm of the Afrika Bambaataa
Feel the rhythm of the Afrika Bambaataa
Experience the pulsating beat of Afrika Bambaataa's music
Are you ready for the new age
Are you prepared for a new era of music and culture
They are setting the stage for the renegades
They are creating an environment where rebels and nonconformists can thrive
To control your mind
In order to influence and manipulate your thoughts and beliefs
They planned it yesterday fffffff-free
They meticulously devised their strategy in advance, with precision and freedom of expression
Zulu nation here to stay
The Zulu nation is a permanent force in the world of music and culture
Let's get electrofied
Let us become energized and inspired by electronic music
Pump it, rockin' it, stickin' it
Engage with the music enthusiastically, dancing and immersing yourself in its rhythms
Funkin it Afrika
Embodying and embodying the essence of funk in Afrika
Pump it, rockin' it, stickin' it
Engage with the music enthusiastically, dancing and immersing yourself in its rhythms
Funkin it Zulu nation
Embodying and embodying the essence of funk in the Zulu nation
Z-U-L-U that's the way we say Zulu
We pronounce Zulu as Z-U-L-U
Z-U-L-U that's the way we say Zulu
We pronounce Zulu as Z-U-L-U
Zulu nation cities of angels
The Zulu nation expands to cities full of talented individuals
Afrika Bamaaaaaataaaa Zulu nation
Afrika Bambaataa leads the Zulu nation with his music
Electro funk, electro funk
A fusion of electronic and funk music styles
Electro funk future shock
The electrifying and surprising impact of the future sound of electro funk
Weee want your funk - Afrika
We desire your funk, specifically from Afrika Bambaataa
We want your funk let's get electrofied
We desire your funk and want to become energized by electronic music
The world is on fire, can I take you higher
The world is in a state of chaos and excitement, can I elevate your experience
The world is on fire zulu nation
The world is engulfed in chaos, but the Zulu nation remains strong
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha future
Expressing amusement and excitement about the future
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha future
Expressing amusement and excitement about the future
Electro get going and the funk don't stop
The electrifying music keeps playing, and the funk groove continues endlessly
Time to clear the floor and
It is the moment to create space on the dancefloor and
Let the Zulu's rock
Allow the Zulu nation to showcase their musical talent and bring the energy
The year 2000 is on the way, some say
Some people believe that the year 2000 is approaching
The year 2000 has been here since yesterday
The year 2000 has already arrived, it started yesterday
Electric beats electric beats
Pulsating beats created by electronic musical instruments
We're Zulusssssssssssssssssss
We are proud members of the Zulu nation
Z-U-L-U that's the way you say Zulu
This is how you pronounce Zulu: Z-U-L-U
That's the way you say Zulu
This is the correct pronunciation for the word Zulu
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind