Fela Kuti - Gentleman (50th Anniversary Edition) LP Knitting Factory Records

Product code: KFR 2009-8

50th Anniversary reissue. Like its predecessors in the series, this version will be available on exclusive colored vinyl (Igbo Smoke) and the LP will be wrapped in a gold foil obi strip with a brief essay on the album and Fela's global impact on music. Like Fela's other early 70's releases, he used each side of his LPs to create a deep groove that pulls the listener in and follows with metaphoric lyrics that call out and critique the corrupt hangover of colonialism.

Gentleman is the last of Fela's early 1970s albums recorded with the Africa 70. The title track can be interpreted literally or as a metaphor concerning a wider issue. Fela deftly addresses the colonialism-induced, inferiority complex which led many in Africa's new governing elites to reject African style, concepts of beauty, and modes of behavior in favor of European imports. Gentleman's other tracks, ""Fefe Naa Efe"" and ""Igbe,” have more direct, less metaphorical lyrics. On ""Fefe Naa Efe,” an Ashanti motto from Ghana, Fela tells a woman dumped by her boyfriend that she must get over the heartache and move on. On ""Igbe”, Fela declares that anyone who betrays a friend is shit, and that anybody who lacks self-respect is shit - something you want to expel from your body as soon as possible. He sings the word ""shit"" in several Nigerian languages, so there is no misunderstanding.

Tracklisting:

A1. Gentlemen

B1. Fefe Naa Efe

B2. Igbe

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Label: Knitting Factory Records

Format: Vinyl LP

Release Date: 23rd June 2023

Brand Knitting Factory Records
Condition New
Product Code KFR 2009-8
Weight 0.18kg