Music: Fela vs. The Roots

An interesting Popafricana article here by Ikechukwu (the Naijja rapper of Wind Am Well fame? I'd be really impressed...) on Fela Anikulapo Kuti (my favourite African artist of all time) influencing a song on The Roots' (my favourite band today) last album.

Being associated (through band leader, ?uestlove - my favorite musician... lots of favourites in this piece) with the Soulquarians, it stands to reason that The Roots would be aware of and influenced by Fela's music and politics. Indeed, another Soulquarian - Common - has recorded with Fela's son, Femi, on both their albums, and the Roots played a big role in one of the best tribute records I think has ever been produced, Red Hot + Riot, performing on a remake of 'Water No Get Enemy' that also featured D'Angelo, Macy Gray, Roy Hargrove, Nile Rodgers (of Chic), as well as Nikka Costa on backing vocals. That album also featured Sade, Tony Allen, Kelis, Jorge Ben Jor from Brasil, Bilal, Les Nubians, Manu Dibango, Res, Bugz in the Attic, the amazing Wunmi and more.

If you can't get that album, it's okay: just go read the article already.