Fela Kuti - The Complete Works of Fela Anikulapo Kuti [2010] (26 x CD's)

 

FELA ANIJULAPO KUTI (Real name Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti)

Fela Kuti - The Complete Works of Fela Anikulapo Kuti [2010] (26 x CD's)

Fela Anikulapo Kuti (Born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, 15 October 1938 – 2 August 1997) was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, musician, composer, pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre and human rights activist. At the height of his popularity, he was referred to as one of Africa's most "challenging and charismatic music performers".

Fela Kuti's "The Complete Works of Fela Anikulapo Kuti" is a remarkable collection of music that highlights the brilliance of this legendary Nigerian musician. Released in 2010, the box set features 26 CDs and a DVD that showcase all of Fela's studio albums from 1969 to 1992, providing an extensive and comprehensive look at his career.

From the outset, it's clear that Fela's music is much more than just entertainment. It is a political and cultural statement that challenges the status quo and addresses issues of oppression, corruption, and injustice. His signature Afrobeat sound is a blend of traditional Nigerian music, jazz, funk, and soul, creating a unique and powerful sound that is both complex and accessible. 

The box set is organized chronologically, allowing listeners to follow Fela's artistic and political evolution over the years. Fela's early albums, such as "Koola Lobitos" and "The '69 Los Angeles Sessions," showcase his early experimentation with jazz and highlife music, while tracks like "Open and Close" and "Shakara" demonstrate his growing political consciousness.

As Fela's political activism intensified, so did his music. Songs like "Zombie" and "Gentleman" became anthems of resistance, addressing government corruption and the oppression of the Nigerian people. Fela's use of pidgin English and Yoruba lyrics made his music accessible to a broad audience, and his use of call-and-response vocals created a sense of community and unity among his fans.  Despite his political activism, Fela was also an exceptional musician, and his ability to create intricate, layered grooves is on full display throughout the box set. Tracks like "Expensive Shit" and "Water No Get Enemy" showcase his musical virtuosity and his ability to create grooves that are both infectious and profound.

Overall, "The Complete Works of Fela Anikulapo Kuti" is an essential collection for anyone interested in African music, history, or politics. Fela's music is a testament to the power of art to inspire and effect change, and this box set is a fitting tribute to his legacy. Fela's influence can be heard in the music of countless artists, and his message of resistance and liberation remains as relevant today as it was when he first started making music over fifty years ago.  

In conclusion, "The Complete Works of Fela Anikulapo Kuti" is an exceptional collection that showcases the depth and breadth of Fela's artistic vision. It is a must-have for any music lover, student of African history and culture, or anyone interested in social justice and political activism. This box set is a fitting tribute to Fela's legacy, and a reminder of the enduring power of music to inspire and effect change. (B)

This Limited Edition, Compilation, Box Set was generously passed on to me by my friend Jeff.
The files are tagged, and artwork is embedded to each album. (A total of 43 albums)
These are not my links.

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Pt.1     Pt.2     Pt.3 

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Track lists

CD01    Open and Close + Afrodiisac 

01 Open and Close
02 Swegbe and Pako
03 Gbagada gbagada gbogodo gbodogo
04 Alu jon jonki jon
05 Jeun ko ku (Chop 'n Quench)
06 Eko ile
07 Je'nwi temi (Don't Gag Me)

CD02    J.J.D + Unnecessary Begging

01 J.J.D
02 Unnecessary Begging
03 No Buredi

CD03: Zombie

01 Zombie
02 Mister Follow Follow
03 Observation Is No Crime
04 Mistake

CD04    Underground System

01 Underground System
02 Pansa pansa
03 Confusion Break Bones

CD05    Fela With Ginger Baker Live!

01 Let's Start
02 Black Man's Cry
03 Ye Ye De Smell
04 Egde mi o
05 Ginger Baker and Tony Allen Drum Solo

CD06    Live in Amsterdam

01 M.O.P. (Movement of the People) Political Statement 1
02 You Gimme Shit I Give You Shit
03 Custom Check Pain

CD07    V.I.P. + Authority Stealing

01 V.I.P. (Part 1 & 2)
02 Authority Stealing (Part 1 & 2)

CD08    Yellow Fever +Na Poi

01 Yellow Fever
02 Na Poi (1975 Version)
03 Na Poi (Part 1 and 2)
04 You No Go Die... Unless

CD09    Alagbon Close + Why Black Man Dey Suffer

01 Alagbon Close
02 I No Get Eye for Back
03 Why Black Man Dey Suffer
04 Ikoyi Mentality Versus Mushin' Mentality

CD10    Before I Jump Like Monkey Give Me Banana + Excuse-O

01 Monkey Banana
02 Sense Wiseness
03 Excuse O
04 Mr Grammarticalogyisationalism Is the Boss

CD11    Everything Scatter + Noise for Vendor Mouth

01 Everything Scatter
02 Who No Know Go Know
03 Noise for Vendor Mouth
04 Mattress

C012    Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense

01 Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense
02 Look and Laugh
03 Just Like That

CD13    Koola Lobitos 64-68 + The '69 Los Angeles Sessions

01 Highlife Time
02 Omuti Tide
03 Ololufe mi
04 Wadele wa rohin
05 Laise lairo
06 Wayo
07 My Lady Frustration
08 Viva Nigeria
09 Obe
10 Ako
11 Witchcraft
12 Wayo (2nd Version)
13 Lover
14 Funky Horn
15 Eko
16 This Is Sad

CD14    Roforofo Fight + Fela Singles

01 Roforofo Fight
02 Go Slow
03 Question Jam Answer
04 Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am
05 Shenshema
06 Ariya

CD15: Confusion + Gentleman

01 Confusion (Part 1 and 2)
02 Gentleman
03 Fefe naa efe
04 Igbe

CD16    Shakara + Fela's London Scene

01 Lady
02 Shakara
03 J'ehin j'eehin
04 Egbe mi o
05 Who're You
06 Buy Africa
07 Fight to Finish

CD17    Expensive Shit + He Miss Road

01 Expensive Shit
02 Water No Get Enemy
03 He Miss Road
04 Monday Morning in Lagos
05 It's No Possible

CD18    Stalemate + Fear Not for Man

01 Stalemate
02 Don't Worry About My Mouth O
03 Fear Not for Man
04 Palm Wine Sound

CD19    Ikoyi Blindness + Kalakuta Show

01 Ikoyi Blindness
02 Gba mi leti ki n'dolowo
03 Kalakuta Show
04 Don't Make Garan Garan

CD20    Upside Down + Music of Many Colours

01 Upside Down
02 Go Slow
03 2000 Black Got to Be Free
04 Africa Centre of the World

CD21    Beasts of No Nation + ODOO
01 Beasts of No Nation
02 O.D.O.O

CD22    Army Arrangement

01 Army Arrangement
02 Government Chicken Boy

CD23    Coffin for the Head of State + Unknown Soldier

01 Coffin for the Head of State
02 Unknown Soldier (Part 1 and 2)

CD24    Shuffering and Shmiling + No Agreement

01 Shuffering and Shmiling
02 No Agreement
03 Dog Eat Dog

CD25    Opposite People + Sorrow Tears and Blood

01 Opposite People
02 Equalisation of Trouser and Pant
03 Sorrow Tears and Blood
04 Colonial Mentality

CD26    Original Sufferhead + ITT

01 Original Sufferhead
02 Power Show
03 I.T.T

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