Afro-Beat Classics at the Jazz Cafe

Fela Kuti's Birthday Celebration

Lovers and fans of Afro-Beat music converged on the Jazz Cafe in Camden, London  last night to celebrate the birth date of the late great afro-beat king Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Straight off a plane from Sweden, afro-beat ambassador Dele Sosimi arrived back in London from a music workshop at the Swedish Conservatoire to perform with his band, the Afro-Beat Orchestra, who were in top form. I can't find appropriate words to describe the band's performance. To say they were on fire, would still be an understatement. Fela would have been proud of his protege and the quality of their show.

Dance music fans and those of us who have been followers of this genre from it's inception were treated and rewarded with nostalgic classics such as, Lady, Shakara, Sorrow, Tears and Blood, Coffin for Head of State, Mr Follow follow, Water no get Enemy to mention but a few of the array of Fela's hit tunes.

Fela's birthday the fifteenth of october, is celebrated annually worldwide in as far off places as Brazil and even Japan. The afro-beat genre is now even more popular than when creator Fela was alive. The broadway hit "Fela" has helped considerably in bringing Fela's music and politics into the music mainstream.

In Nigeria his home country, this birth date is celebrated annually as a Felabration. Radical and politically conscious youth are joined with the rest of the citizenry to remember and appreciate what Fela and his music mean't, not only to Nigeria but to Africa as a whole.

In the audience last night was J.K. Brimah, Fela's best friend and confidant, a man who had a strong influence on Fela and his music. It was a great honour and joy to have in our midst, the great J.K. as he is popularly known. His attendance at this event was confirmation of the friendship and mutual affection that existed between the two men.

My thanks and best wishes goes to the organisers, performers and the fans who were present at last night's event especially Rikki Stein, Dele Sosimi and his band, the Jazz Cafe and staff including the sound engineers. They all did a wonderful job in promoting and presenting the wonderful music genre that is Afro-Beat.


God's love and my best wishes to all. Until next year then...

'Bodederek




Email Post

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts