Fela Kuti is the godfather of Afrobeat, and his 1973 record Gentleman is a must-listen for anyone getting into the genre. Combining elements of funk and jazz with traditional West African music is a helluva thing, and the frenetic ride that is “Gentleman” takes you on so many twists and turns throughout that it’s easy to forget just where you started. This album reminded me of the incredibly enjoyable “Samba Esquema Novo” by Jorge Ben Jor in a handful of ways, specifically in its pacing and freedom of movement, but instead of sticking inside the walls of a defined structure, Kuti knocks those walls down and explores the world outside before eventually coming back home through the back door.
The groove of this album, laid down by legendary drummer Tony Allen, drives the entire production. The syncopation, clever playfulness of his cymbal work, and heavy use of emphasis on off-beats and clave time signatures are foundational as the rest of the band weave their magic.
Shoutout to NYC cab driver Kenechukwu for a great recommendation.
Standout Songs: “Gentleman”, “Fefe Nas Efe”
