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. Released in 1977,
Opposite People finds
Fela and his band Afrika 70 riding a fever-pitched groove for the customary two side-long extended jams that made up most of
Fela's classic output. The title track builds for 11 or more minutes before
Kuti comes in with a sociopolitical lecture in sung-scatted form, and second cut "Equalisation of Trouser and Pant" is a slinkier affair, with hints of greasy rock guitar and wandering electronic keyboard tones. ~ Fred Thomas