Fela Kuti – Fear Not For Man (LP Vinyl)
Product Details
Recorded during one of the most turbulent stretches of Fela's life, this two-track LP captures the Afrobeat architect at the height of his powers with Afrika 70, the Lagos ensemble that helped him forge a sound rooted equally in James Brown's funk, traditional Yoruba music, and unflinching political resistance. The Nigerian government considered Fela enough of a threat to send soldiers against him repeatedly, which tells you everything about how seriously his music landed.
Vinyl LP pressing includes digital download. Fear Not For Man was one of the first albums to be released by Fela following the sacking of his Kalakuta Republic compound by 1,000 soldiers in February 1977. Fela, along with many other Kalakuta residents, was brutally beaten; his mother, then aged 77, was thrown out of a window, fracturing a leg. The army set fire to the compound, destroying six Afrika 70 vehicles, all Fela's master tapes and band equipment, a four-track recording studio, and all the community members' personal belongings. It is doubtful, contrary to some sources, that Fear Not For Man was recorded after the attack - doubt which isn't dispelled by the gruesome front sleeve design, showing blood flowing down Fela's face. His response came later, on albums such as Unknown Soldier (1979) and Coffin For Head Of State (1980); Fela's practice of no longer performing a song live once he had released it on record is the reason for the two/three year gap between the attack and the release of these albums.
Tracklist
UPC: 720841204114
Label: Partisan Records
Release Date: 10.16.15
Format: LP Vinyl