The Best Of The Black President 2 (Knitting Factory Records KFR1029/2, 2013)
This new 2-CD collection collects some of the most iconic pieces from Fela Kuti’s career. It’s a great opportunity to continue to explore the roots of Afrobeat, a musical genre that has blossomed in recent years.
The Best Of The Black President 2 contains lengthy pieces that have that cool jam band feel, with a mix of compelling lyrics seeking social justice and vibrant music. Knitting Factory Records is reissuing many of Fela Kuti’s albums, nearly 50 and they are enhanced with new liner notes by Afrobeat historian Chris May.
In Fela Kuti’s music you can hear a combination of Yoruban roots music, jazz, highlife and American funk. This synthesis is what was later called Afrobeat.
For those who want to get a taste of the source of Afrobeat music, The Best Of The Black President 2 is an excellent sampler, presenting the music and lyrics of one of the great innovators and activists in recent African music history.
A special deluxe version of The Best of the Black President 2 also includes a DVD of Fela Kuti’s memorable 1984 concert in Glastonbury.
Track List
Disc 1:
1. Everything Scatter 10:31
2. Expensive Shit 13:11
3. Underground System (Part 2) 15:19
4. Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am 12:03
5. Monkey Banana 11:31
6. Sorrow Tears and Blood (Original Extended Version) 16:41
Disc 2:
1. Black Man’s Cry 11:35
2. Mr. Follow Follow (Mister Follow Follow) 12:55
3. He Miss Road 10:46
4. Yellow Fever 15:20
5. Na Poi 13:30
6. Colonial Mentality 13:41
Buy The Best Of The Black President 2 2-CD set
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
