Fela the Funk

Now we all now that the Twelve Bar Sessions are a reflection of the musical influences of the Twelve Bar crew, and this month's selection is another corker. Indeed you need look no further than track 1 to find the subject of today's musical musings, and the funky brilliance that is Fela Kuti's "Water No Get Enemy".

The work of Fela Kuti and his band, Africa 70 (formerly Koola Lobitos), is nothing short of revolutionary, and his importance in the musical landscape is difficult to overstate. Inventor of "Afro-Beat" and with a massive recorded output, Kuti's innovation is matched only by his importance as a social commentator and campaigner for democracy in Africa, especially his native Nigeria, despite the contradictions inherent in his flagrant misogyny and megalomania. There is time to discuss the work of Fela Kuti in more detail in future entries to Story To Tell, but for now simply use it as an excuse to sit back and enjoy the track, taken from 1975's "Expensive Shit" album.

The album is only two track's long, the impossibly funky title track, and the afore-mentioned "Water No Get Enemy" which, for me, epitomises Kuti's best work. A tight yet expansive groove, playful interplay between wordless vocals and the musical patterns, and all held together by Kuti's own blinding Sax work.
Priceless.