Fela Kuti - Gentleman (50th Anniversary) [Smoke Vinyl]

The founder of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, released Gentleman in 1973. It was the Nigerian musician and political activist's commentary on the colonial mentality of Africans who succumbed to pressure to adhere to European customs - particularly around clothing- as referenced by the cover artwork's collage of a monkey's head on a suited body.

Like Fela's other early 70's records, he used each side of his LPs to create a deep groove that pulls the listener in and follows with metaphoric lyrics that call out and critique the corrupt hangover of colonialism.

Highlights include "Igbe (Na Shit)" and "Fe Fe Ne Eye Fe".

Fela Kuti (1938-1997) was a Nigerian musician, producer, arranger, political radical, outlaw and the originator of Afrobeat. A titanic musical and sociopolitical voice, Fela's legacy spans decades and genres, touching on jazz, pop, funk, hip-hop, rock and beyond.

Limited Edition SMOKLE vinyl produced by Knitting Factory Records in 2023. OBI strip.

TRACKLISTING:

1. Gentlemen
2. Fefe Naa Efe
3. Igbe