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How Brian Eno Championed Afrobeat Legend Fela Kuti
5 Oct
Summary
- Brian Eno selected seven Fela Kuti LPs for a new vinyl box set.
- Eno discovered Fela Kuti's music in 1973, initially finding it complex.
- Eno's support significantly influenced many artists towards Kuti's music.
Brian Eno, a vocal admirer of Fela Kuti, has selected seven reissued Fela Kuti LPs for the recently released *Fela: Vinyl Box Set 3*. Eno's engagement with Kuti's music began in September 1973 with the album *Afrodisiac*. He initially found Kuti's polyrhythmic style challenging but was soon captivated by its intricate grooves.
Eno's appreciation for Fela Kuti's work extended to influencing other artists. He shared *Afrodisiac* with David Byrne in 1977, a connection that predated Eno's collaboration on Talking Heads' *Remain in Light*, an album heavily inspired by African music.
Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and activist, masterfully blended jazz, funk, and traditional African styles throughout the 1970s and 80s. His music's profound impact is now recognized through documentaries, musicals, and books.
