Fela Kuti
Upside Down

THE REVIEW

I stumbled upon Fela Kuti's works by chance when I listened to the album by the "supergroup" Rocketjuice & the Moon last year, featuring Damon Albarn, Flea, and Tony Allen. Fascinated by the rhythms woven by the latter, I decided to delve deeper and discovered, filling a gap in my ignorance, that he was originally the co-founder of afrobeat alongside Fela Kuti, whose band he was the percussionist and musical director of.

Fela Kuti, a Nigerian, was not only a musical artist but also a human rights activist and revolutionary in his own country. He often conveyed his political message through his music, blending socialism and pan-Africanism, and is undoubtedly a figure worth exploring beyond the strictly musical boundaries. The album in question dates back to 1976 and I would recommend it as a first step to approach his music, as it consists of only two tracks in suite form, each lasting a little over 14 minutes ("Upside Down" and "Go Slow"), for an album that is undoubtedly fresh and smooth, remaining under half an hour in total duration.

So, what is this afrobeat then?

It is an unimaginable melting pot of sounds and colors, combining in a fantastic mix of jazz, funk, reggae, ska, and Yoruba. In fact, imagine Sly & the Family Stone and Funkadelic joined with Herbie Hancock of Head Hunters, and you can get an idea of the sounds you can taste on this album, with even some soul sprinkles in the vocalizations. In short, it's joyful music that exudes Africa from every angle, in an incredible kaleidoscope of colors and sounds.

Don't miss it, it's worth it.