Pioneering musician, activist, and bandleader
Fela Kuti is the first word in Afro-beat, making such strides in the genre over the course of his career that his contributions are foundational and nothing less than legendary.
Why Black Man Dey Suffer is a relatively early chapter in the
Fela discography, originally recorded in 1971. Put to tape with early band
Africa 70 and
Cream drummer/Afro-beat enthusiast
Ginger Baker on board as well, the record is made up of two extensive, repetitive, and loping pieces. The rhythmic title track is a blueprint of early Afro-beat and "Ikoyi Mentality Versus Mushin Mentality" is a deep groove of burning horns and fearless percussion. ~ Fred Thomas