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Fela: Kalakuta Notes by John Collins
“Fela: Kalakuta Notes” is not a biography that describes the life of it’s subject from the first moment to the last, but rather a collection of essays, diary notes and interviews (most of them conducted around the last turn of the millennium) to highlight the life and works of one of Africa’s most brilliant, and controversial, musicians. Fela Anikulapo Kuti was a musician, political activist and the creator of Afrobeat. A musical genre that, as Collins’ book clearly shows, is alive and well though its founder has been dea d for more than a decade.
Author John Collins is sometimes described as a “white African” and was a close friend of Fela Kuti. His music résumé consists of an incredibly long list of co-operations with several dozens of African music groups. Not only does he play music, being a professor of Music at the University of Ghana, he understands the theoretical side of music as well. This is evident from the two interviews in the book that try to explain the musical structure of Afrobeat.
This is the first book about Fela Kuti written by someone who actually lives in Africa and provides many insights not found in the other biographies. A major theme in this book is Fela Kuti’s Ghanaian connection. First and foremost, it was the home of his political idol, the late Kwame Nkrumah. But it was also the main source of the Highlife music the young Fela Kuti loved and started playing.
Another unique aspect is Collins’ diary of his stay at the Kalakuta Republic, Fela’s commune in Lagos, the first to appear in print. Without reverting to a Sex & Drugs & Afrobeat eulogy his diary describes life in the hippie-like commune ruled by the authoritarian bandleader known for his anti-authoritarian lyrics. From the notes, essays and interviews there slowly emerges the immensely fascinating large-than-life portrait of a unique man, enigmatic, charismatic, controversial and a 100 percent dedicated to the ideals he believed in.
The book is printed on thick paper, illustrated with never before seen pictures of Fela and his wives and band by several well known photographers, the print is nice and big and makes up for the few typo’s I found here and there. The book contains a complete biography of Fela’s songs and an overview of bands and artists playing Afrobeat music worldwide. This is the ultimate Afrobeat coffee table book and should be owned by all fans. You can order your copy from KIT Publishers in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (ironically the city where the author met Fela Kuti for the last time) or pre-order from Amazon.com.
Fela This Bitch of a Life: The Authorized Biography of Africa’s Musical Genius by Carlos Moore
When this book first got published in 1982 it was the first biography of an African musician. The above title is in fact a translation of the French book “Fela Fela: cette putain de vie”. For a very long time this was the definitive book on Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It describes his youth, his spiritual awakening when exposed to the Black Power movement while touring in the US and his many run-ins with the authorities. The book is 288 pages long and nicely illustrated with pictures of Fela and his wives and some traditional African art. An entire chapter is reserved for interviews with several of Fela’s wives or “Queens”. Some of these interviews are in Pidgin English and might be difficult to follow for those not accustomed to the language. Fela’s wives worked as back-up singers, dancers or DJ’s in The Shrine, his night club in Lagos.
Carlos Moore is a Jamaican Cuban. He is best known for his book “Castro, The Blacks and Africa”. Although certain scholars view some of his statements with skepticism, “Fela This Bitch of a Life” is a fine piece of music journalism. This book is reissued as of May 2009. The book has recommendations by Stevie Wonder and Femi Kuti. Check your local book store for this title or order from Amazon.co.uk.
FELA: Th e Life & Times of an African Musical Icon by Michael A. Veal
This is probably the closest we will ever get to the complex character of the most controversial musician ever to come from African soil: Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Michael Veal is without a doubt the perfect candidate for writing Fela’s biography. He is an ethnomusicologist from Yale University, has played as a guest saxophonist in Egypt 80 and has spent considerable time in The Shrine. In more than 300 pages he follows Fela’s life in intimate detail. All aspects of his life are covered, including his strict upbringing, his political “awakening” and the creation of Afrobeat. Detailed explanations of Afrobeat music and its lyrics are included. Also included are a discography and 22 pages with photographs. This is the definitive biography of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, pronto. Heads up for Michael Veal for getting us backstage with “The Black President”!
FELA: From West Africa to West Broadway by Trevor Schoonmaker (editor)
A complex figure should always be viewed from different angles. Rather than a chronological biography, “Fela: From West Africa to West Broadway” is a collection of essays and interviews that zero in on different aspects of the complex persona that was Fela Anikulapo Kuti. These include essays on Fela’s spirituality, his relationships with women and his ongoing influence on Hip Hop and Dance music. There are interviews with Fela himself and his son Femi. The essays are all well written. An extensive discography is also included in the book. The essays were collected by Trevor Schoonmaker, an independent curator from Brooklyn, New York. Trevor Schoonmaker is the director of the Fela Project and organizer of “Black President: The Art and Legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti”. An exhibiton that traveled the world from 2003 to 2005. 208 pages, 20 pages with photographs.
My Bla ck President by Femi Bankole Osunla
This book features the photographs of Femi Bankole Osunla. Osunla spent 20 years photograping Fela Kuti both at home and on tour. Regretfully, Femi Bankole Osunla passed away in 2007. This is the reason why this book won’t be published anytime soon. The publishers let me know that they will try to publish the book some time in the future. I will post up information on this site if/when the book gets published.
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